Haven’t received initial draft contract from sellers solicitors- how long is normal?

riotlady

Hi we’re first time buyers and had an offer accepted 4 weeks ago. We instructed our solicitors straight away however they’ve said they haven’t started searches yet because they haven’t received an initial draft contract from the seller’s solicitors yet. Is that normal at this stage?

We’re not in any huge rush and said we were happy to go at the seller’s pace, but I don’t want things to be held up because somethings been overlooked or misplaced. 

Thanks! 

Noneforit999

Solicitors all work slightly differently but yes, its normal not to start searches until the draft contract is received. Although you instructed immediately, it may have taken the vendor a while to get quotes back and pick theirs, another week for them to return all the documents. 

Some then raise queries before the searches come back to speed up the process and others wait until searches are back to raise queries.

We are currently selling and I returned all the forms etc to our solicitor within 48 hours of instruction, it was on day 10 that they sent out the draft contract so 4 weeks does seem a tad slow but it depends on how quick the vendor is at getting back the documents etc. 

Your best bet is to speak to the EA and ask them what the hold up is from the vendors solicitor and why the draft contract has not been sent yet. 

Snookie12cat

Is the chain complete? If not, the sellers solicitor may have been instructed to do no work until it is. 

riotlady

Snookie12cat said:

Is the chain complete? If not, the sellers solicitor may have been instructed to do no work until it is. 

They’re buying a new build which have they have lined up for August, so I don’t think there is a chain really 

TripleH

It is a chain but just a very short one.

Do you have any idea when the new build will be finished?

riotlady

TripleH said:

It is a chain but just a very short one.

Do you have any idea when the new build will be finished?

I think it must be in August as the estate agent mentioned they might move into rented if they go earlier? They have kids so assume they want to go before the new school year starts in September 

Noneforit999

riotlady said:

Snookie12cat said:

Is the chain complete? If not, the sellers solicitor may have been instructed to do no work until it is. 

They’re buying a new build which have they have lined up for August, so I don’t think there is a chain really 

So they are not going to exchange contracts on their new build at the same time as you exchange contracts on their house presumably?

New builds normally require exchange of contracts within 4-6 weeks. 

riotlady

Noneforit999 said:

riotlady said:

Snookie12cat said:

Is the chain complete? If not, the sellers solicitor may have been instructed to do no work until it is. 

They’re buying a new build which have they have lined up for August, so I don’t think there is a chain really 

So they are not going to exchange contracts on their new build at the same time as you exchange contracts on their house presumably?

New builds normally require exchange of contracts within 4-6 weeks. 

I honestly have no idea! 

kingstreet

The vendor may not have provided information to their solicitor essential to preparing and issuing a draft contract. What does the selling agent say?

BigH1979

Check your copy of the Memorandum of Sale and see who the Conveyancers are. If its Premier Property Lawyers then you may be in for a long wait. Spoken from experience.

riotlady

kingstreet said:

The vendor may not have provided information to their solicitor essential to preparing and issuing a draft contract. What does the selling agent say?

I haven’t asked yet, I was trying to get a feel for if it was reasonable to ask because I don’t want to pressure them? Have never bought a house so not sure on how long these things are meant to take! But judging from the responses it sounds like messaging the estate agent to check in about it is the best plan