Uk homebuying in crisis: Conveyancing chaos leaves buyers trapped

Santander report highlights antiquated conveyancing slowing home purchases in England and Wales

A major new report commissioned by Santander has shone a harsh light on the homebuying process in England and Wales, revealing a legal and conveyancing system stretched to breaking point. The study warns that antiquated practices are leaving buyers frustrated and delaying property transactions, further exacerbating the UK’s housing crisis.

The survey, which polled 2,363 adults, found that 38% of respondents described the legal and conveyancing process as difficult. More than half – 55% – said the process took too long, while 54% reported having to chase professionals repeatedly to move matters along. Common complaints included not knowing what was happening or when (29%), difficulty contacting solicitors (23%), and documents being overly complicated (23%).

The report, titled Fixing the Broken Chain, argues that these issues reflect a system already operating at full capacity. Stakeholders such as conveyancers, surveyors, and other professionals face mounting pressure, worsened by a reduction in the number of practising conveyancers. Law Society data show a 15% decline in conveyancers in England and Wales between September 2021 and January 2025.

Santander emphasised that the homebuying process in England and Wales relies on methods established more than a century ago, formalised by the Law of Property Act 1925. The legislation created the modern framework for conveyancing, including deeds, contracts of sale, and land title registration – systems that remain largely unchanged today.

“Our research highlights that much of the stress involved in buying and selling homes could be alleviated if the transaction process were streamlined,” the report states. “The system is cumbersome, and while there is no single solution, speeding up processes and improving efficiency could unlock the housing market without major government spending.”

One area highlighted for potential improvement is the digitisation of HM Land Registry. The report advocates for the acceptance of qualified electronic signatures on documents, eliminating the need for scanning, hand-delivery, or third-party witnesses. Such changes could significantly reduce delays and administrative burdens for both buyers and conveyancers.

Santander’s findings underline the human impact of these inefficiencies. Buyers and sellers are caught in long delays, dealing with opaque communications, repeated follow-ups, and complex paperwork – all while attempting to navigate an already challenging property market. The report warns that without reform, these problems will continue to slow transactions and add stress to an already strained housing system.

As conveyancing pressures intensify, industry stakeholders and policymakers face growing calls to modernise the legal framework for homebuying. While technological solutions like e-signatures are promising, the report suggests that broader systemic changes are needed to make the conveyancing process more transparent, efficient, and responsive to buyers’ and sellers’ needs.

The message from Santander is clear: the homebuying system in England and Wales is overdue for reform, and fixing the conveyancing process could play a pivotal role in unblocking the market and easing the wider housing crisis.