Conveyancing has been identified as the primary factor slowing property transactions, according to research from UK law firm Lyons Bowe Solicitors. The study, which surveyed over 1,000 recent homebuyers, found that 42% of homeowners who purchased property in the past two years cited conveyancing as the biggest barrier to a smooth transaction.
This figure significantly outweighs concerns about property chains, which were flagged by 19% of respondents. Slow communication between buyers' and sellers' conveyancers emerged as the leading cause of delays, with 23% identifying it as the primary issue during the legal stages.
A lack of transparency was also a significant concern, as 42% of buyers reported that their visibility of the process was lowest during the conveyancing stage. When asked what single change would improve the homebuying experience, 23% suggested reducing the length and complexity of conveyancing.
Paul Lyons, Managing Director at Lyons Bowe Solicitors, acknowledged the inherent complexity of the process. He stated that while things can take longer than hoped, "it does not mean the process needs to feel opaque or unnecessarily difficult for the client."