Diary of a High Street Conveyancer – Mirror mirror on the wall

I am finding this month more stressful already than I had anticipated, and I am not sure if it is just me and the ongoing weariness, but it also feels harder than the previous SDLT holiday – and how ridiculous is the use of the word ‘holiday’! Nothing feels less like a holiday!

So I thought I would ask ChatGPT if it were possible to complete by the end of March, and here is what he/she/it said:

Your conveyancing solicitor can help you complete your property transaction before the end of the stamp duty holiday, but whether it happens in time depends on several factors, including:

• The stage of your transaction – If you’re already well into the process, you have a better chance of completing before the deadline.
• Searches and inquiries – Delays in local authority searches, mortgage approvals, or responses from other parties can slow things down.
• The property chain – If you’re in a long chain, delays from any party could impact your completion date.
• Solicitor and lender workload – Many solicitors and mortgage lenders experience high demand near deadlines, which can slow progress.

How to Speed Up the Process

•  Keep in regular contact with your solicitor and estate agent.
• Ensure all documents (ID, proof of funds, mortgage offer) are in order and submitted promptly.
• Be proactive in responding to queries and requests.
• Check with your solicitor if expedited searches or indemnity insurance can help bypass delays.

Which reassures me in two ways. One, I am filled with relief that I am going the right way, that the delays are as I would expect and there is not much more I can do to help my clients. And two, given the very mixed ability of AI to provide accurate legal advice, if home movers are seeking advice from AI tools, it is broadly accurate and doesn’t create false expectations.

Keep at it, fellow conveyancers!

This is written by a real high street conveyancer who wishes to remain anonymous. Read more in Today’s Conveyancer every week.