Buying or selling a home should be an exciting milestone, but anyone who has been through the conveyancing process in the UK will know that it can sometimes feel slow, frustrating and uncertain. Delays are common, but in many cases they can be prevented - or at least significantly reduced - with the right preparation, clear communication and proactive legal support.

As experienced conveyancing solicitors in Ebbw Vale, we've seen first-hand how small oversights and simple misunderstandings can add weeks to a transaction. Equally, we've seen how well-organised clients sail through the process without unnecessary stress. 

In this guide, we share practical, legally accurate insights on how to keep your property transaction moving smoothly in Wales and across the wider UK.

Understanding why delays happen in conveyancing

Before looking at how to avoid delays, it helps to understand where they tend to come from. The conveyancing process involves multiple parties - the buyer, seller, both sets of solicitors, mortgage lenders, surveyors, estate agents, and sometimes management companies or freeholders. When one part of the chain slows down, everyone feels the impact.

Common reasons for delays include slow ID checks, late mortgage applications, missing documents, slow responses from third parties, issues revealed in searches and enquiries, or delays higher up or lower down the chain. None of this is unusual. But many of these issues can be avoided entirely with early action.

Get your legal paperwork ready as early as possible

One of the most effective ways to avoid delays is to be organised long before a buyer is found or an offer is accepted. Many sellers underestimate just how much documentation they will need to provide. By preparing this early, you remove one of the most common causes of slow progress.

Sellers should gather documents such as guarantees, planning permissions, building regulation certificates, boiler servicing records, and any paperwork relating to alterations or additions to the property. If you've misplaced something, replacing it early is far easier than scrambling to find it midway through a sale.

Buyers, on the other hand, should prepare proof of identity and address, their mortgage agreement in principle, and evidence of deposit funds. Anti-money laundering checks are strict in the UK, and even a simple mismatch in information can cause days of delay.

Read: Setting deadlines in property sales

Choose an experienced conveyancing solicitor in Wales

Conveyancing is a legal process, and the quality of your solicitor can make a significant difference. A proactive solicitor who communicates clearly and responds quickly will almost always reduce unnecessary delays.

When choosing a solicitor, look for someone who:

• Acts promptly once instructed
• Communicates clearly with all parties
• Has a strong understanding of Welsh and wider UK property law
• Is supportive, thorough, and keeps you updated

A good solicitor doesn't merely process paperwork - they manage risk, anticipate issues, and keep the transaction moving.

Apply for your mortgage without delay

For buyers, mortgage applications are one of the biggest causes of slow progress. Many people wait until after their offer is accepted before speaking to a lender. This is one of the most common mistakes we see.

By applying early - ideally once you begin viewing properties - you cut out weeks of waiting later. Lenders carry out affordability checks, property valuations and internal approvals, all of which take time. Your solicitor cannot proceed without confirmation of funds, so the earlier you begin the process, the smoother everything becomes.

Order searches promptly

Local authority and property searches are vital parts of conveyancing because they reveal important information about planning issues, environmental risks, drainage, highways and more. These searches can take days or weeks depending on the local authority - some in Wales are faster than others.

A good solicitor will order searches as soon as it is appropriate to do so, and will keep you updated about expected response times. Delays in ordering searches are avoidable and often stem from uncertainty or slow communication, so it pays to work with a legal team who are proactive from the start.

Read: Issues you may encounter when purchasing a property

Be honest and transparent from the beginning

A surprising amount of delay arises simply because people hold back information. Sellers might forget to mention a minor dispute with a neighbour or assume a loft conversion is "fine" even though no formal paperwork exists. Buyers may not mention a gifted deposit until the last minute.

Transparency saves time. If there is an issue, your solicitor will be able to advise you on the correct legal approach. Problems hidden early almost always return later and usually take longer to resolve once the process is underway.

Respond quickly to your solicitor's requests

One of the easiest ways to avoid delays is also one of the simplest: respond promptly when your solicitor contacts you.

Whether they need a signature, additional ID, clarification on an enquiry, or your approval to proceed with a particular step, the sooner you reply, the sooner the transaction moves forward. Even a weekend of silence can add days to a chain if several parties are waiting for your response before they can act.

Good communication between solicitor and client is one of the biggest predictors of how quickly a conveyancing matter progresses.

Prepare early for exchange and completion

Exchange and completion are often delayed because clients aren't ready with their finances, removal arrangements or required documents. Buyers should ensure their deposit funds are accessible and that their mortgage lender is aware of expected timelines. Sellers should be prepared for moving and ensure any agreed fixtures and fittings are clear to avoid last-minute disputes.

Your solicitor will guide you through each step, but being mentally and practically prepared makes a big difference.

Read: Why do solicitors ask to see source of funds when you're buying a property?

Why working with local solicitors makes a real difference

As solicitors based in Ebbw Vale, we understand the local property market, local authority response times, and the particular quirks of conveyancing in Wales. This local insight allows us to anticipate delays before they arise and communicate efficiently with estate agents, surveyors and lenders in the region.

Clients often tell us that this local connection gives them reassurance - and reassurance matters. Property transactions can feel overwhelming, and having a conveyancing team who explain things clearly, handle the legal heavy lifting, and keep everything on track makes the entire process far smoother.

Delays can be avoided with the right approach

Property sales and purchases will always involve lots of moving parts, but delays don't have to be inevitable. With early preparation, honest communication, a proactive legal team and an organised approach, buying or selling a home in Wales can be far more straightforward than many people expect.

If you are preparing to buy or sell a property and want clear, reliable guidance from experienced conveyancing solicitors who put clarity and client support first, we're always here to help.