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