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.

Mentioned in this episode:

**Terms and Conditions apply. Capital at risk. You must remain invested for 12 months to retain the welcome bonus. One Bonus per client. These are affiliate links and Medics Money may get a commission at no cost to you if you go onto open an account.** Personal Investing: https://investengine.com/affiliate-welcome/?utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_source=Medics%20Money&utm_content=Podcast Business Investing: https://investengine.com/affiliate-business-welcome/?utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_source=Medics%20Money&utm_content=Podcast