Selling Your Home: How to Avoid Delays

Selling a property should be a straightforward process, but in reality many transactions are delayed or even fall through because of issues that surface late in the legal process. While some factors are outside your control, a large proportion of delays can be avoided with early preparation and the right legal support.

If you are selling a home in Manchester or Cheshire, taking a proactive approach before a buyer is found can significantly reduce stress and help keep your sale on track.

Instruct a Solicitor Early

One of the most effective ways to avoid delays is to instruct a conveyancing solicitor as soon as you decide to sell, rather than waiting until an offer has been accepted. Early instruction allows your solicitor to begin preparing the legal paperwork and identify potential issues before they become urgent.

Your solicitor can request title documents, review the property’s legal history and highlight any missing information that could slow matters down later. When an offer is agreed, much of the groundwork is already complete.

Check the Title to Your Property

Title issues are a common cause of last-minute delays. These might include discrepancies in boundaries, missing rights of way, or restrictions that were never properly dealt with when you bought the property.

If your home is registered at the Land Registry, your solicitor can review the title in advance and resolve any concerns early. If the property is unregistered, additional documentation may be required, which can take time to gather. Identifying this early avoids pressure later in the transaction.

Locate Key Documents Before They Are Needed

Buyers’ solicitors will ask for supporting documents, and delays often occur when sellers struggle to locate them. Common examples include:

• Planning permissions and building regulation certificates

• FENSA or other compliance certificates for windows and doors

• Guarantees for damp proofing, roofing or structural work

• Leasehold documentation, if applicable

  
  

If documents are missing, your solicitor can advise on alternative solutions, such as indemnity insurance, but these are easier to arrange when time is not critical.

Complete Property Information Forms Carefully

Property information forms are a vital part of the legal process. These forms cover boundaries, disputes, alterations, utilities and other important matters. Incomplete or inaccurate forms often lead to further enquiries, which can delay exchange of contracts.

Taking time to complete these forms carefully and honestly, with your solicitor’s guidance if needed, helps reduce the number of follow-up questions from the buyer’s solicitor.

Leasehold Properties Need Extra Preparation

If you are selling a leasehold property, additional steps are required. Delays commonly arise due to missing management information or slow responses from managing agents.

Early preparation includes:

• Requesting the management information pack in advance

• Checking ground rent and service charge details

• Confirming lease length and any restrictions

Your solicitor can advise on any potential issues and request the necessary documents early to prevent hold-ups later.

Resolve Outstanding Issues Before Marketing

Minor issues can become major obstacles if they are left unresolved. This may include unresolved disputes with neighbours, incomplete paperwork for alterations, or uncertainty over shared access.

While not all issues must be fixed before selling, knowing where you stand allows your solicitor to present clear information to the buyer and reduce the risk of delays or renegotiation.

Practical Steps That Support a Smooth Sale

Alongside legal preparation, a few practical steps can help keep your transaction moving:

• Respond promptly to requests from your solicitor

• Keep communication lines open with estate agents and buyers

• Be realistic about timescales, especially if you are part of a chain

• If you are also buying, coordinate both transactions carefully

• Choose agents and solicitors who have a reputation for excellent client service

Clear communication between all parties is often the difference between a smooth sale and a stressful one.

 

Why Choosing the Right Solicitor Matters

A well-prepared sale relies on experienced legal guidance. An established conveyancing solicitor will anticipate common issues, keep the process moving and ensure that problems are addressed early rather than under pressure.

Salehs Solicitors are trusted and experienced property solicitors acting for sellers across Manchester and Cheshire. With a practical, proactive approach and a focus on clear communication, the team works closely with clients to reduce delays and keep transactions progressing smoothly.

If you are planning to sell your home and want to minimise last-minute legal issues, instructing the right solicitor from the outset can make all the difference. Speaking to Salehs Solicitors early allows you to move forward with confidence and clarity, knowing your sale is in safe hands.