The other biggest reason sales get delayed and fall through is missing paperwork. While you’re waiting to list your property, it’s a great time to complete your Property Information Forms and gather all the necessary documents your conveyancing specialist tells you to get. That way, if anything is missing, you’ll have plenty of time to sort it out.

Below are some of the 

1. Sellers Not Completing Forms Promptly.
Delays often occur simply because sellers take too long to complete:

• Property Information Forms (TA6)
• Fittings and Contents Forms (TA10)
• Leasehold Information Forms (TA7)

Completing these forms early can save weeks.

2. Missing Paperwork and Documents
One of the most common causes of delay is missing documentation. Buyers' solicitors will often request:

• Building regulation certificates
• Planning permissions
• FENSA certificates for replacement windows
• Boiler installation certificates
• Electrical certificates
• Guarantees and warranties

If these documents cannot be found, additional enquiries and indemnity insurance may be required, causing delays.
Top Tip: Gather all your paperwork before putting your property on the market.

3. Unapproved Alterations and Extensions
Many homeowners have:

• Built extensions
• Converted lofts
• Removed internal walls
• Added conservatories

If the correct planning permission or building regulations approval was not obtained, buyers may become nervous, lenders may raise concerns, and solicitors may struggle to proceed.

This can result in:

• Price Renegotiations 
• Requests for indemnity insurance
• Buyers pulling out completely.

4. Leasehold Problems 
Leasehold properties are often slower to sell than freehold homes due to additional information that needs to be obtained. Common issues include:

• Short leases
• High service charges
• Ground rent concerns
• Missing management information
• Unpaid service charges
• Disputes with management companies

A short lease in particular can make it difficult for buyers to obtain a mortgage.

5. Boundary Disputes
Arguments with neighbours over:

• Fences Hedges
• Access rights
• Parking arrangements must usually be disclosed to buyers.

Even minor disagreements can make buyers think twice about proceeding.

6. Title Defects
Problems can arise where there are issues with the property's legal title, such as:

• Missing rights of way
• Restrictive covenants
• Missing deeds
• Unregistered land Incorrect boundaries

Resolving title defects can take weeks or even months.

7. Lack of Access Rights
Some properties rely on:

• Shared driveways
• Private roads
• Rear access arrangements

If legal rights are missing or unclear, lenders may refuse to lend until the issue is resolved.

8. Delays in Property Searches
Searches carried out by the buyer's solicitor can reveal issues including:

• Planning proposals nearby
• Road schemes
• Flood risks
• Contaminated land
• Drainage concerns

Some local authorities also have lengthy turnaround times, causing significant delays.

9. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Checks
Solicitors are legally required to verify:

• Identity Source of funds
• Source of wealth

Transactions can grind to a halt if buyers or sellers are unable to provide the necessary evidence quickly.

10. Probate and Estate Issues

If the property is being sold following a death, delays can occur because:

• Probate has not been granted.
• There are multiple beneficiaries.
• The estate paperwork is incomplete.

In some cases, the property cannot legally be sold until probate has been obtained.

How to Reduce the Risk of Delays
The best way to avoid conveyancing problems is to prepare your home before it goes on the market. Consider:

✔ Instructing a solicitor early.
✔ Gathering paperwork and certificates.
✔ Obtaining missing documents.
✔ Resolving disputes with neighbours.
✔ Checking planning and building regulation records.
✔ Having a pre-sale home appraisal carried out.
✔ Dealing with maintenance issues before marketing.

Who To Use

Some people use specialist Property Lawyers or licensed conveyancers, others prefer Solicitors,  whichever you choose, make sure you get them involved before your home goes on the market. 

Having a good legal representative in your contacts list is really important as they can make the difference in how quickly your sale progresses and how effectively any legal issues on your sale or purchase are resolved. Now is a great time to start reaching out to some local firms to find out who you want to use.

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Great your property is physically fit, your paperwork is in order ... What's next.?