Rightmove has launched an initiative encouraging estate agents to participate in educating home movers about the property transaction process, following research that identified the primary causes of delays during property sales.
The portal’s analysis found that 37% of movers cited conveyancing delays as the biggest cause of hold-ups, followed by survey or valuation issues at 15%, delays with searches at 11%, and chain-related problems at 9%. Another party pulling out before being replaced was cited by 11% of respondents, while poor buyer qualification was mentioned by only 5%.
Behind-the-scenes coordination
The findings form part of Rightmove’s Championing Agents home mover education programme, which works with independent agents to provide guidance to prospective buyers and sellers. The initiative aims to clarify the home-moving process whilst highlighting the coordination work agents undertake throughout transactions.
Christian Balshen, Director of Agency Partnerships at Rightmove, said: “Estate agents are at the centre of a transaction, coordinating multiple parties, helping resolve issues and keeping buyers and sellers informed, yet many of the biggest causes of delays sit outside of their direct control.”
The research comes as the industry continues discussions around improving the home-moving process following the Government’s Home Buying and Selling Reform Roadmap. This follows recent concerns about estate agent practices and broader market challenges affecting transaction times.
Market context
The portal has been bringing together agents and industry leaders through webinars, events and educational initiatives to share best practice across the sector. Balshen added: “The work estate agents do is often underestimated because much of what they deliver happens behind the scenes. We want to help the public better understand the value agents provide and the vital role they play in helping people move home.”
The data provides context for current market conditions, where buyer demand has shown recent increases but transaction completion times remain a concern for the industry. Rightmove is seeking more agents to participate in the programme by sharing their knowledge and experiences with home movers.
The initiative focuses on helping consumers navigate the moving process whilst raising professional standards through qualifications and training within the estate agency sector.
