Buying or selling a house involves a lengthy process due to various legal rights and obligations that must be checked. A property lawyer must carefully review deeds, ensure there are no legal issues like unpaid mortgages or planning violations, search local councils for development plans or pollution, and verify any unusual rights or obligations on the title. Only after all these factors are evaluated can a sale be finalized and the new owners take possession. The complex legal work is why real estate transactions take longer than simpler purchases.