Why Are Solicitors So Slow?

If you have found this insight, you must be pretty frustrated. Don't worry, you're not alone in wondering, why are solicitors so slow?

Many people who have been involved in buying or selling a home have probably wondered the same thing. Unfortunately, for solicitors, they do get a bad rap when it comes to speed. However, don't forget their job is to be thorough. A legal mistake could end up costing you thousands down the line. With that said, there are a few things you could try to help speed up the process. 

In this insight, we are going to explain what's taking so long, what you can do to help, the difference between conveyancers and solicitors, as well as whether it's worth switching.

Key Takeaways

• Solicitors need to be thorough as it helps to avoid costly legal mistakes.
• Property chains can significantly slow down the conveyancing process.
• Your solicitor's workload and multiple cases contribute to delayed responses.
• Choosing a solicitor vs a conveyancing firm can offer more personalised attention and a faster service.

Why Are Solicitors so Slow?

Let's shed some light on what's taking so long. Solicitors have a multitude of tasks on their plate, such as conducting thorough property searches when buying a house, reviewing complex legal documents, and ensuring compliance with various regulations. all of this is known as Conveyancing, and each step requires attention to detail, which takes time. Additionally, solicitors often work with other parties involved in the transaction, such as other solicitors, lenders, and local authorities. Coordinating with these entities can introduce delays beyond their control. However, one of the biggest culprits causing delays to the process is often your property chain. 

Property Chain Delays

During the conveyancing process, when multiple properties are involved in a chain, the pace can be significantly affected. Each link in the chain represents a property sale or purchase, and any hold-up or delay at any point along the chain can create a domino effect, impacting the entire process.

One common challenge arises when sellers are required to locate and provide relevant documents. These documents are crucial for various legal aspects of the transaction, such as title deeds, planning permissions, building regulations certificates, and other property-related paperwork. Without these documents in hand, the conveyancing process can come to a grinding halt.

Imagine this scenario: Seller A is waiting for documents from Seller B, who, in turn, is waiting for documents from Seller C, and so on. If any link in the chain fails to promptly gather and provide the required documents, it can create frustrating hold-ups that prevent the smooth progression of the conveyancing process.

These delays can be exacerbated when dealing with larger property chains involving numerous parties. Coordinating and ensuring everyone in the chain is on the same page can be quite a logistical challenge. Additionally, unexpected issues or disputes within the chain can further add to the time-consuming nature of the process.

Delays with Exchange of Contracts

The number of times I wondered, will we ever exchange contracts? it's difficult to not get disheartened about it. Delays can happen due to solicitors' queries, buyer/seller hesitations, mortgage issues, unanswered questions, and even the dreaded gazumping. Knowing these potential obstacles will help you navigate the situation.
Talk it out. discuss concerns, seek clarity, and work together to find solutions. Building trust and understanding can make a big difference.
When the going gets tough, don't hesitate to seek professional advice. Talk to experienced solicitors who can guide you, protect your interests, and explore alternative options if needed.

Why do solicitors take so long to get back to you?

One of the primary reasons for the delay in their response can be attributed to their workload.

Solicitors are often juggling multiple cases simultaneously, each with its own demands and deadlines. This workload can vary depending on the size and complexity of the firm, as well as the individual solicitor's caseload. With many clients and legal matters to attend to, it's understandable that responding quickly becomes a challenging task.

When it comes to property transactions, you may come across the option of using a conveyancer. Conveyancers are specialists who focus specifically on property-related legal matters. They often handle a high volume of cases and aim to streamline the process, aiming for efficiency and quick turnaround times.

On the other hand, solicitors offer a broader range of legal services and expertise. While they may handle conveyancing matters, their services extend beyond property transactions. Solicitors generally work independently or in smaller, more boutique firms. This independence often translates into a greater focus on personalised service and attention to detail.

It's worth noting that some lenders may offer "free legals" or "cheap legals" as an incentive, often involving the use of a conveyancer. These offerings are typically associated with volume-based conveyancing firms. While they can be cost-effective, the emphasis is often on processing a large number of cases efficiently, rather than providing highly personalised attention.

Choosing a solicitor, while potentially more expensive, often ensures a higher level of service. With solicitors, you're likely to have a more individualised experience, as they prioritise client satisfaction and maintain a reputation built on their service quality. They have the freedom to give your case the time and attention it deserves, resulting in a more thorough and tailored approach to your legal matters.

What can you do to help speed up your solicitor?

When it comes to speeding up the process with your solicitor, there are several proactive steps you can take. While you can't control all aspects of the process, these actions can create a more efficient experience:

Prompt Communication

Maintain proactive and open lines of communication with your solicitor. Respond to their queries or requests for information as quickly as possible. This helps avoid unnecessary delays caused by waiting for your input.

Be Organised

Stay organised and prepared throughout the process. Keep important documents, such as identification, property-related paperwork, or financial statements, readily accessible. This way, when your solicitor requests specific information, you can provide it quickly.

Ask for a Clear Timeline

Discuss with your solicitor about setting clear expectations and obtaining a realistic timeline for the completion of key milestones. Having a shared understanding of the timeline can help both parties stay on track and avoid unnecessary delays.

Coordinate with Other Parties

If your transaction involves multiple parties, such as estate agents, lenders, or other solicitors, maintain active coordination and communication. Promptly provide any requested information or documentation to keep the overall process moving smoothly.

Try to Communicate with Other People in the Chain

When I bought my property, the seller e-mailed me his details alongside a "hello". It really helped throughout the process to resolve any bottlenecks and made sure we could achieve the same goal, which was moving home quickly. Be aware though, not everyone will be receptive to this, or have the time to.

Read more: How to put pressure on Solicitors

Can you change solicitors?

You can change your solicitor if you choose to, but it could be risky. Changing conveyancers could result in further delays to the house buying or selling process. You should consider how far along you are in the process. You may need to re-do checks with a new conveyancer and you may pay twice for this. If you are at the start of the process and simply finding your solicitor unresponsive you should consider changing.

How do you find a good solicitor?

If you're unsure how to find a good solicitor who can work to the speed you need them to, you can consider speaking with your mortgage adviser. Mortgage advisers often have a panel of solicitors available, each will have been reviewed and rated. You could also try to phone your potential new solicitor to check how quickly they are processing cases at the moment and how long they estimate for yours to take.

If you're unsure where to find a mortgage adviser to help, complete the Sunny Fact Find. The detail you add helps us to find the best-suited adviser for your needs. Your adviser then contacts you to explain how they can help. You decide how to proceed. 

Next steps

If you're still wondering, why are solicitors so slow? It's is a common experience for many individuals involved in property transactions. Hopefully, by following the advice provided here you come to a conclusion about how best to proceed. Whether that’s changing solicitors or simply agreeing a timeline, communication is key.