5 Hidden Costs That Could Delay Your Move and How to Avoid Them

Buying or selling a home is exciting but unexpected costs and delays can quickly turn it into a headache. Many of these surprises can be avoided if you know what to look out for.

Here are five common issues that can hold up your move and how we help our clients steer clear of them.

1. Mortgage Offer Delays

The problem: Your lender might take longer than expected to issue your mortgage offer especially if extra checks are needed after a property valuation.
Why it matters: Without a valid mortgage offer, your solicitor can’t exchange contracts.
How to avoid it: Apply early, respond quickly to your lender’s requests, and ensure all documents (ID, payslips, bank statements) are ready from the start. We’ll chase lenders on your behalf to keep things moving.

2. Missing Legal Documents

The problem: Certain documents like the landlord’s certificate or leaseholder deed of certificate under the Building Safety Act can take weeks to obtain.
Why it matters: Without them, your buyer’s solicitor may not let the deal proceed.
How to avoid it: We identify required documents as soon as your sale or purchase starts, and request them immediately to avoid last-minute scrambles.

3. Unpaid Service Charges or Ground Rent

The problem: If you own a leasehold property, outstanding service charges or ground rent must be settled before completion.
Why it matters: Your buyer won’t want to take on your debt, and the freeholder could block the sale.
How to avoid it: We’ll check your account with the freeholder early so there are no surprises on completion day.

4. Undisclosed Building Works or Alterations

The problem: If you’ve done work on your property without the right permissions (like a loft conversion or structural change), it could raise red flags.
Why it matters: Buyers may insist on indemnity insurance or even pull out.
How to avoid it: Tell us about any work done early in the process. We can advise on paperwork, indemnity policies, and how to reassure your buyer.

5. Survey Surprises

The problem: A buyer’s survey can uncover unexpected repairs, from damp issues to roof damage.
Why it matters: Negotiations over repair costs can delay exchange or end the deal.
How to avoid it: If you’re selling, consider getting a pre-sale survey to spot problems early. If you’re buying, we’ll help you negotiate fairly so issues don’t stall your move.

How We Keep You Moving

At Trueman Bailey, we know that time is money when it comes to property transactions. Our proactive approach means we spot potential delays early and take steps to avoid them so you can move in (or out) without unnecessary stress.

📧 Email us at contact@truemanbailey.com to get started.