What Causes Last-Minute Delays in Property Closings – and How Solicitors Can Reduce Risk
Property closings are often delayed not because of complex negotiations — but because of information that emerges too late in the process.
For Irish solicitors, last-minute delays can create unnecessary pressure, frustrate clients, and risk transactions falling through entirely. Many of these delays are avoidable with the right search strategy and ongoing monitoring.
Common Causes of Last-Minute Closing Delays
Traditional, manual search workflows create several difficulties for solicitors:
1. New Judgments or Bankruptcy Filings
Judgments, bankruptcies or insolvency notices can be registered after initial searches are completed. Without monitoring, these risks may only surface on the eve of closing.
2. Lis Pendens Registered Late
A lis pendens may indicate pending litigation affecting the property. If registered late, it can halt or delay completion entirely.
3. Pending Dealings on PRA Folios
Dealings pending — such as unregistered transfers or charges — may not be visible unless folios are checked close to closing.
4. Company Status Changes
Where a purchaser or vendor is a company, changes such as liquidation, strike-off notices or new charges can arise unexpectedly.
5. Searches Ordered Too Late
Ordering searches close to completion leaves little time to address issues, particularly where manual or external records are involved.
Why Traditional Search Workflows Increase Risk
Manual, one-off searches provide only a snapshot in time.
They do not account for changes that may occur between contract signing and closing day.
Using multiple platforms, email chains, or disconnected systems also increases the chance of:
- Missed updates
- Delayed responses
- Incomplete information
- Administrative errors
How Solicitors Can Reduce Risk with Legal Search Box
Legal Search Box, developed by Corporate Access, helps solicitors take a proactive approach to conveyancing searches.
- With Legal Search Box, you can:
- Order key searches early in the transaction
- Automatically monitor for changes up to closing
- Receive alerts for new judgments, bankruptcies or filings
- Access PRA Folios, Company Searches and court records quickly
- Manage both automated and manual searches in one place
- Maintain a clear audit trail for every file
This approach reduces surprises and allows issues to be addressed before they become critical.
A Smarter Way to Protect Your Transaction
Last-minute delays are rarely unavoidable – they are usually the result of missing information or late discovery.
By combining early ordering with ongoing monitoring, solicitors can:
- Reduce transaction risk
- Improve client confidence
- Avoid unnecessary delays
Start Reducing Risk Today
Legal Search Box gives solicitors the tools they need to manage conveyancing searches with confidence — from first instruction to final closing.
Learn more and create an account today:
www.corporateaccess.ie/legal-search-box/