Speeding Up Your Sale: Why Preparation Matters More Than Ever

Our Managing Director of Residential and New Homes, Steve Tetlow, shares the most effective methods of speeding up the conveyancing process.

Preparing early is one of the most effective ways to speed up the conveyancing process. Although much of conveyancing involves mandatory legal checks and third-party responses (search providers, lenders, local authorities), many delays happen simply because key information or documents aren’t ready when the solicitor needs them. Good preparation helps to avoid those bottlenecks.

Here are the main reasons preparation is so important:

1. Front-loading reduces avoidable delays
Buyers and sellers often wait until an offer is accepted before gathering documents, completing forms, or arranging finances. But many early steps — such as ID verification, property information forms, evidence of funds and mortgage in principle — can be prepared in advance. Having these ready allows the solicitor to begin substantive work immediately.

2. Faster responses to enquiries
A significant portion of conveyancing time is spent on back-and-forth enquiries. If sellers prepare documents like guarantees, planning permissions, building regulation certificates, and leasehold information up front, they can answer enquiries far more quickly.

3. Fewer surprises mid-process
Preparation helps uncover issues early; for example, missing deeds, outdated title plans, restrictive covenants, or unregistered alterations. Addressing these early prevents last-minute delays that can jeopardise the timeline or even the sale.

4. Mortgage processing becomes smoother
Buyers who prepare proof of income, bank statements, credit information and deposit evidence early often move through the mortgage underwriting stage faster, avoiding a major potential slowdown.

5. Chain coherence and timing
In chains, one party’s delay affects everyone. When each party prepares early, the entire chain becomes more efficient, reducing the risk of collapses due to timing issues.

In short

Preparing early turns a reactive process into a proactive one. It won’t eliminate every delay because some steps are inherently slow, but it significantly reduces the unnecessary ones, leading to a smoother, quicker and less stressful conveyancing experience.

How We’re Speeding Up the Sale’s Process

Here at Mackenzie Smith Estate Agents, we’re hiring two Sales Progressors to speed up the home selling process. From when your sale is agreed until completion, they will be on hand to assist. Dedicated to reaching that end goal, they’ll liaise with solicitors and conveyancers, streamlining your property sale for optimal efficiency and speed.

To find out more on how we can assist in your property sale, contact your local office.

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