Solicitors Warn of the Properties that Take the Longest to Convey - Early Legal Preparation Key! | Bradleys Estate Agents | Property for sale in Devon, Cornwall & Somerset

Solicitors Warn of the Properties that Take the Longest to Convey - Early Legal Preparation Key!

- Wed 16 Sep 2026

Recent findings from Paul Lyons, Managing Director of Lyons Bowe Solicitors, have highlighted the types of properties most likely to experience longer conveyancing times, reinforcing the importance of sellers engaging legal professionals as early as possible in the moving process.

According to Lyons Bowe's research, some of the most complex property transactions include leasehold flats in higher-risk buildings, shared ownership homes, complex leasehold properties, listed or significantly altered homes, and properties with unusual or defective titles. These property types often involve additional legal investigations, third parties, management companies, housing associations or extensive documentation that can extend the time taken between agreeing a sale and exchanging contracts.

However, Bradleys Estate Agents is keen to stress that these findings should not act as a deterrent to prospective buyers considering these types of properties.

Many of these homes offer unique benefits, character, attractive locations or alternative routes onto the property ladder. Instead, the report serves as a reminder to sellers that preparation is particularly important when bringing more complex properties to market.

By instructing a conveyancer at the point a property is listed for sale, much of the necessary legal preparation can begin before a buyer is found, helping to reduce delays later in the transaction and creating a smoother journey for all parties involved.

The Lyons Bowe report found that leasehold properties often require management packs, service charge information, lease reviews and enquiries with freeholders or managing agents. Shared ownership homes bring additional considerations involving housing associations, resale provisions and staircasing arrangements, while listed or significantly altered properties can require additional checks relating to planning permissions, building regulations and historic works.

The common theme across all of these property types is that gathering information early can make a significant difference to transaction timelines. Bradleys Estate Agents works closely with a panel of trusted law firms across Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, including Lyons Bowe Solicitors, helping sellers become legally prepared before a buyer is secured.

Kai Logan, Marketing Director at Bradleys Estate Agents, said:

"The findings from Lyons Bowe reinforce something we've been advising clients for a long time. The sooner a seller engages with a conveyancer, the more opportunity there is to identify and resolve potential issues before they have the chance to slow a sale down.
This is particularly important for more complex property types, such as leasehold homes, shared ownership properties, listed buildings or homes with unusual title arrangements. Much of the information needed to progress a transaction can be gathered well before an offer is agreed, helping to create a smoother experience for everyone involved.

Importantly, buyers shouldn't be put off by these types of properties. They remain excellent homes and attractive purchases. What the research does highlight is the importance for sellers to be well prepared. A seller who has already instructed a conveyancer and started the legal process can often present a more attractive proposition than a competing property where none of the preparation work has been undertaken.

At Bradleys, we can introduce our clients to a panel of experienced law firms across Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, including Lyons Bowe. As an added benefit, clients can also take advantage of No Move, No Legal Fee protection, providing valuable peace of mind and potentially saving thousands of pounds should a transaction unfortunately fall through."

Research suggests that even seemingly straightforward properties can conceal legal complexities that only become apparent during the conveyancing process. Paul Lyons notes that buyers are not simply purchasing a home, but also taking on its legal history, ownership structure and any obligations attached to it.

For sellers, being proactive by appointing a conveyancer from the outset can help ensure title documents, leasehold information, planning paperwork and other key documentation are available when required, reducing the likelihood of avoidable delays. In many cases, this early preparation can become a valuable selling point, demonstrating to buyers that the transaction is ready to move forward as efficiently as possible.

As market conditions continue to place an emphasis on speed and certainty, early legal preparation is increasingly proving to be one of the most effective ways to keep transactions moving, minimise stress and improve the chances of a successful move.

For more information about Bradleys' conveyancing services including no move, no legal fee, or to be introduced to a trusted local law firm, contact your local Bradleys office or obtain an online conveyancing quote here.

Solicitors Warn of the Properties that Take the Longest to Convey - Early Legal Preparation Key!

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