Speeding Up Conveyancing: Insights at The Guild Conference

In a recent panel discussion at The Guild of Property Professionals' conference I highlighted the pressing challenges faced by estate agents in the UK, particularly concerning the time-consuming nature of property transactions.

Estate agency stands unique among professions, with agents selling a property only to receive payment several months later. Addressing this lag and finding innovative ways to expedite the conveyancing process has become paramount.

Finding the right conveyancing partner is essential to control the length of time that an agent’s pipeline takes to turn. The foundation of a swift transaction lies in firstly working with the right conveyancing firm, and then ironing out the several potential ‘pinch points’ with your conveyancing partner to streamline the process.

Harnessing Modern Technology

Client onboarding for a conveyancer can be more arduous than it is for agents. Finding a conveyancer that utilises the latest technology can hugely reduce the time taken to begin a transaction and can save weeks off the time frames. Modern conveyancing platforms like Perfect Portal and Infotrack offer transformative solutions. Clients can complete ID checks electronically, upload proof of funds via open banking and all protocol forms can be completed in App. This process can allow a purchaser or seller to do all that in a matter of minutes saving a week or more off a transaction.

Immediate search ordering

A proactive conveyancing partner understands the significance of ordering searches immediately upon instruction, which again can considerably accelerate the purchase process. Not to mention modern firms should be able to issue contracts on the same day once onboarding is complete.

 Efficient communication

Personalised communication is crucial. My preference is for direct communication channels with the fee earner handling the case rather than call centres and admin-heavy teams.

I find using lots of different platforms for different solicitors that you need to log into to find updates are often a pain. My preference is law firms that proactively email updates on key milestones automatically. This ensures that we are always informed, often even before the clients themselves.

 Managing workload

A successful partnership requires a conveyancing partner who knows their limits. Conveyancers who take on an excessive workload can lead to delays. Find a conveyancing partner that is prepared to say no! We have all experienced good conveyancers that become popular, get a huge case load and then timeframes delay dramatically. A successful partnership needs someone to have an appropriate case load.

As the property market continues to evolve, adopting these strategies can offer a competitive edge to agents, ensuring smoother transactions and happier clients.