How Long Do Enquiries Take When Buying a House

How Long Do Enquiries Take When Buying a House

The house buying process in the UK involves several important stages, and one of the most unpredictable among them is the time taken for legal enquiries. Once the solicitor has reviewed the draft contract and completed the property searches, they will raise enquiries with the seller’s solicitor to clarify any concerns or outstanding issues. This part of the process is essential to ensure that the buyer has a full and accurate understanding of what they are purchasing.

The length of time enquiries take can vary considerably depending on the complexity of the property, how quickly the seller’s solicitor responds and whether any unusual circumstances arise. For many buyers, it is a frustrating waiting period because it often feels like little is happening while the legal teams go back and forth. Yet this step is crucial to safeguarding the investment and avoiding problems later down the line.

Understanding what enquiries are, why they matter and what affects their duration can help buyers manage expectations and navigate this stage of the transaction with greater clarity.

What Are Enquiries in the House Buying Process

After the conveyancer or solicitor receives the contract pack from the seller, they will begin reviewing the details. This includes the title deeds, property information form, fittings and contents list and results from the local authority searches. Based on this information, they will raise legal enquiries with the seller’s solicitor to clarify anything that is missing, unclear or potentially problematic.

Typical enquiries include questions about building regulations, planning permissions, guarantees for work carried out, boundary disputes, rights of way or shared access arrangements. If the property is leasehold, there may also be detailed enquiries relating to the lease terms, service charges or ground rent.

The purpose of these enquiries is to protect the buyer by uncovering any legal risks, unresolved disputes or financial obligations associated with the property. The buyer’s solicitor cannot proceed to exchange of contracts until they are satisfied with the responses received.

How Long Do Enquiries Usually Take

There is no set timeframe for how long enquiries will take, as each property and transaction is unique. On average, this stage can take anywhere from a week to several weeks. In a straightforward freehold purchase with clear documentation and cooperative solicitors, it may be resolved in a relatively short time. However, if the seller is slow to respond or if additional documentation needs to be obtained, the process can take much longer.

Leasehold properties typically take more time because enquiries are also raised with the freeholder or managing agent. Obtaining management packs and detailed lease information often causes delays, particularly if the freeholder is unresponsive or charges fees for releasing the documents.

The efficiency of the solicitors involved also plays a big part. Some firms are quick to raise and respond to enquiries, while others may work to slower turnaround times. Communication between parties can further impact the duration, especially if replies raise new concerns that require follow up questions.

What Causes Delays During Enquiries

Several common issues can delay the enquiries stage. Missing paperwork is a major factor. If the seller cannot locate certificates for past building work or fails to provide evidence of planning permission or compliance, this can hold up the process. Sometimes the seller must apply to local authorities or contractors to obtain duplicates, which can take time.

Disputes over boundaries, access or unregistered land can also lead to protracted enquiries. These issues often require legal clarification or indemnity insurance to resolve, both of which can stretch the timeline. Leasehold properties can be particularly slow if there are concerns over service charges, unpaid ground rent or disputes with the managing agent.

In some cases, buyers raise additional questions based on the search results or survey, which leads to a new round of enquiries. While this may be necessary for peace of mind, it inevitably extends the process.

Buyers should also be aware that during periods of high activity in the property market, all stages of the conveyancing process may be subject to wider delays. Solicitors, surveyors and councils may have heavier workloads, which slows down communication and document turnaround.

How to Help Speed Things Up

While many aspects of enquiries are beyond the buyer’s control, there are steps that can help keep the process on track. Choosing an experienced and communicative solicitor is key. A good conveyancer will raise enquiries promptly, chase responses efficiently and keep the buyer informed throughout.

It also helps if the seller is organised. Sellers who provide full documentation from the start and work with a proactive solicitor can often complete enquiries much faster. Buyers might consider asking the estate agent to nudge the seller if things begin to stall.

Maintaining regular contact with your own solicitor ensures you are aware of progress and any issues that arise. In some cases, delays can be resolved by agreeing to proceed with indemnity insurance or by negotiating solutions to minor issues rather than insisting on full documentation.

Patience is often required, but a measured and well informed approach helps keep expectations realistic and reduces unnecessary anxiety.

What Happens After Enquiries Are Complete

Once all enquiries have been answered satisfactorily, the buyer’s solicitor will report to them on the findings and advise whether it is safe to proceed. If there are no outstanding concerns, the solicitor will then arrange for the signing of the contract and transfer documents.

At this point, the final steps begin. The buyer pays the deposit, and contracts are exchanged. A completion date is agreed, and the funds are prepared for transfer. While the time spent on enquiries can feel like a delay, it is actually one of the most important protections built into the conveyancing process. Once completed, the rest of the transaction often moves quickly.