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 intro 01:22 What conveyancers handle 02:42 Mover vs solicitor view 04:55 Property searches explained 08:47 Interpreting search results 11:26 Listed homes and detective work 13:19 Management companies and fees 15:40 Inquiries vs searches 17:42 Indemnity insurance basics 20:56 Mortgage offers and lender panels 24:28 Exchange vs completion 26:39 Exchange Day Reality 27:30 Packing and Planning 28:25 Deposits and Fund Flow 31:32 Completion Day Rules 33:03 After Completion Paperwork 34:54 Speeding Up Your Sale 36:51 Red Tape and ID Checks 38:41 Why Chains Collapse 41:29 Gazumping and Gazundering 44:12 Chasing Solicitors Myth 46:52 Top Tips Recap 49:03 Final Thanks and Wrap Want 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.com Want to improve your finances fast? Then come on our course https://www.medicsmoney.co.uk/medics-money-financial-wellbeing-course/ Want to find out more about our other courses? www.medicsmoney.co.uk/courses Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Twitter Disclaimer: 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.