Selling a property can take anywhere from 12 weeks to over 5 months to complete. By being prepared from the start, you can help reduce delays and keep everything moving as smoothly as possible. Working proactively with your estate agent, solicitor, and mortgage adviser makes a huge difference.
One of the biggest delays often happens during the pre-exchange stage of a property sale. This is when most of the back-and-forth communication between parties takes place, especially if you’re in a chain. You can make this part of the process faster by collecting all the necessary paperwork early.
Using a property information questionnaire (PIQ)
Completing a Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ) before listing your home can save significant time later. This document collects much of the information your agent and solicitor will need, helping to avoid unnecessary delays. Once completed, it can be shared with all relevant parties.
Documents to have ready
Alongside your PIQ, it’s important to have copies of the following documents where relevant:
• Lease details (for leasehold properties)
• Freehold documentation (if applicable)
• FENSA certificates for replacement windows
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• Building regulations approval or certificates for any alterations
• Gas Safety certificate (particularly for a new boiler)
• Details of any local authority restrictions or planning permissions
Choose the right conveyancer or solicitor
The legal work involved in transferring property ownership is handled by a conveyancer or solicitor. It’s important to choose someone experienced and communicative, as they’ll be key to keeping your sale on track. It is important to read reviews and do research on the company before committing.
Tips to keep things moving
1. Be responsive
Delays often happen when people take too long to reply. Try not to leave things until later, act quickly on requests from your agent or solicitor to keep the momentum going.
2. Stay in regular contact
Keep in touch with everyone including your agent, solicitor, and mortgage adviser. Consider setting up a weekly update so everyone knows what’s happening and nothing gets missed.
3. Set a clear target date
Agreeing on a realistic exchange date early on helps give structure to the process. If you or the buyer requires extra time before moving, build that in between exchange and completion and don’t delay the exchange unless absolutely necessary.
4. Keep organised
Knowing what’s required at each stage helps you stay on top of the process. Keep a checklist of tasks and follow up when needed to avoid unnecessary hold ups.
