Three-quarters (75%) of homebuyers expect a response from their conveyancer within 24 hours of asking a question, Lyons Bowe Solicitors has found.

The law firm’s latest research revealed that just 6% are willing to wait longer than two working days for an answer.

Its findings also show that communication expectations extend well beyond the start of the transaction, with buyers continuing to demand regular contact and updates throughout the entire homebuying process.

The firm found that 52% expect weekly updates, regardless of whether there has been significant progress.

Once instructed, 63% of buyers expect confirmation that their file has been opened and work has commenced within 24 hours, while 61% expect confirmation that their paperwork and identification documents have been received within the same timeframe.

Furthermore, Lyons Bowe revealed that communication becomes more important when problems arise, with 81% expecting to be informed of any issue that could delay their purchase immediately or on the same working day. Almost a third (32%) expect to be notified straight away.

Managing director at Lyons Bowe, Paul Lyons, stated that one of the clearest messages from its research is that "buyers want to feel informed".

He concluded: “Buying a home is often one of the most significant financial commitments a person will ever make. When people don't know what's happening, uncertainty can quickly become frustration, even when a transaction is progressing as expected.

"Regular communication, transparency and responsiveness help build trust and reduce stress throughout the homebuying journey. This is why all of our clients and referral partners have access to our 24/7 portal giving key milestone updates, they also have direct access to the conveyancer and our referral partners are now able to receive twice weekly detailed pipeline reports with updates from the conveyancers.

"The findings reinforce something we've long believed, that great conveyancing isn't just about completing the legal work correctly, it's also about delivering a service experience that keeps clients informed and supported from instruction through to completion."

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