Why the hold up to exchange?

[LlamaLikesRepeatingThings]

Our solicitor has everything they need - all queries have been answered, all searches done, mortgage offer received and in hand. I rang last Thursday and he said we were ready to come in and sign the contracts to exchange. We've set a completion date for 28 September.

Since then, total silence! Not responding to anything. What's the hold up? The seller's EA is hassling me!

Who knows?!
Maybe your solicitor has gone on holiday without telling you?
Have you tried to speak to someone else at the firm?

Annual leave? Maybe ask to speak to someone else in the team, because from the outside it'll look like it's you holding things up by not having signed.

welcome to the world of house purchasing. Tell the sellers EA to speak to your solicitor if they have any queries.

People play silly buggers when buying and selling. My solicitor was infuriated by my buyers and sellers solicitors pissing about constantly.

I found my EA the best tool to get a job done because they would lose all their commission and he can speak to all parties solicitors to get the issues fixed.

I have been hassling mine all morning trying to get him to exchange he is soooo slow, You really have to nag at these people if you want anything done.

Sorry if this sounds obvious, but if he's ready for you to go in and sign the contracts, have you made an appointment to do that? You'll need to pay over the deposit as well.
Could it be that the paperwork has been posted to you?
Ring up and speak to the solicitor or their assistant/secretary.

I've been trying to make an appointment but no response! They're not waiting on anything from me.

Are you emailing rather than phoning? It's easier to ignore emails. If you phone and ask for the assistant/secretary they should be able to make the appointment for you.
Be persistent - ring every 15 mins or so.
And tell the estate agent - they may be able to put pressure on.

when they spin things out and avoid you, they're having second thoughts.

Tell your estate agent that in the absence of progress you think you may go back to market and ask what has to be done. She'll make sure the other party knows.

Until contracts are exchanged, you can't rely on anything and have no recourse.

when they spin things out and avoid you, they're having second thoughts.
Who is?
Tell your estate agent that in the absence of progress you think you may go back to market
There's nothing the OP has written in this thread that confirms they are selling anything, unless you are referring to another thread?

I am buying not selling! And finally got hold of them - go in on Friday!