What UK Homebuyers Really Say About Conveyancers: Common Conveyancing Questions, Complaints, and Experiences

If you’ve never experienced the agony of entrusting your property transaction to a subpar conveyancing company, you might wonder what all the fuss is about—why not just go for the cheapest option? But once you’re locked in, enduring sluggish responses, missed deadlines, and endless stress, the only consolation is the faint hope that you’ve saved a few pounds. Then, just as you’re clinging to that thin silver lining, you’re blindsided by hidden fees. It’s not just disappointing—it’s salt in the wound.

Navigating the property market is stressful enough without the added anxiety of a slow, unresponsive, or opaque conveyancing process. Yet, as countless threads on Reddit reveal, this is the reality for many homebuyers and sellers. Frustration bubbles up in post after post, with users sharing strikingly similar stories of delayed transactions, unanswered calls, and mounting stress. The emotional toll is clear—what should be an exciting milestone often becomes a test of patience and resilience.

A close look at these discussions uncovers recurring themes: conveyancers overwhelmed by caseloads, clients left in the dark, and regret over not vetting providers more carefully. Many commenters express shock at how a “no chain” sale can still drag on, or how choosing the cheapest option can backfire when hidden costs and poor service emerge. Industry insiders occasionally chime in, explaining the pressures of a volume-driven business, but for most users, the experience is deeply personal—a mix of confusion, irritation, and, sometimes, resignation.

What follows is a distilled summary of the most common phrases, questions, and complaints found across these Reddit threads, along with notes on their frequency and the engagement they spark. These insights not only highlight widespread pain points but also point to clear opportunities for better communication, transparency, and service in the conveyancing sector.

Phrase or Question	Frequency of Posts/Comments	Typical Engagement (Comments per Post)	Notes
Why are conveyancers so slow?	High	50–100+	Recurring theme, often sparks lengthy discussions.
Can't get hold of my conveyancer/solicitor	High	20–50	Frustration over lack of communication is common.
My calls go to voicemail, emails ignored	Moderate-High	10–30	Direct quotes about poor responsiveness.
Conveyancing is so stressful	Moderate	10–20	Stress and anxiety are frequently mentioned.
Documents requested over and over	Moderate	5–15	Repetitive requests for information are a pain point.
Wish I'd shopped around for a better conveyancer	Moderate	5–15	Regret over not choosing a different provider.
No chain doesn’t guarantee a quick sale	Moderate	5–10	Clarifying misconceptions about "no chain" transactions.
Conveyancers have too many cases	Moderate	5–10	Explanations for delays focus on high workloads.
Fees are too low, service suffers	Moderate	5–10	Links between low fees and poor service quality.
ID checks and onboarding are a nightmare	Low-Moderate	3–8	Complaints about bureaucratic hurdles.
Estate agent recommended conveyancer, but...	Low-Moderate	3–8	Mixed experiences with recommended firms.
Conveyancing is a volume business	Low	2–5	Industry insiders explain the business model.
Can I change conveyancer mid-process?	Low	2–5	Practical questions about switching providers.