Ep 335: Why is buying/selling my house taking so long??

This week, Cyra (a chartered accountant and doctor) interviews Donna Butler, a technical support solicitor at Talbots Law, about why buying and selling property is so slow and stressful. Donna outlines common transactions (sales, purchases, remortgages, transfers of equity, buy-to-lets) and explains the behind-the-scenes parties solicitors deal with. She defines core property searches (local authority, water and drainage, environmental) and optional searches (e.g., mining, agricultural), and distinguishes searches from inquiries raised on contract papers, title, forms, and guarantees. Donna explains how solicitors contextualize results, when indemnity insurance is used or unsuitable (e.g., agricultural occupancy restrictions), and that solicitors act for both buyer and lender. She clarifies exchange vs completion, deposits, fund movements, vacant possession, post-completion steps (stamp duty return, Land Registry, management company notices), common causes of chain collapse, and advises early instruction, quick ID/source-of-funds responses, preparation of documents, and not chasing solicitors daily.00:00 Welcome and guest intro01:22 What conveyancers handle02:42 Mover vs solicitor view04:55 Property searches explained08:47 Interpreting search results11:26 Listed homes and detective work13:19 Management companies and fees15:40 Inquiries vs searches17:42 Indemnity insurance basics20:56 Mortgage offers and lender panels24:28 Exchange vs completion26:39 Exchange Day Reality27:30 Packing and Planning28:25 Deposits and Fund Flow31:32 Completion Day Rules33:03 After Completion Paperwork34:54 Speeding Up Your Sale36:51 Red Tape and ID Checks38:41 Why Chains Collapse41:29 Gazumping and Gazundering44:12 Chasing Solicitors Myth46:52 Top Tips Recap49:03 Final Thanks and WrapWant the latest financial tips for doctors and exclusive invites? Join 71,000 doctors here https://www.medicsmoney.co.uk/join-medics-money/Want a free assessment of your finances? Click here https://medics-hnz5twj1.scoreapp.comWant to improve your finances fast? Then come on our coursehttps://www.medicsmoney.co.uk/medics-money-financial-wellbeing-course/Want to find out more about our other courses?www.medicsmoney.co.uk/coursesFollow us on InstagramFollow us on TwitterDisclaimer:The information provided in this content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. You should not rely on this content as a substitute for professional advice tailored to your specific financial situation. The value of your investments can go down as well as up. Past performance is not indicative of future results.