The conveyancing association sets out firm conditions as it responds to major home-buying reforms
The Conveyancing Association has confirmed it has submitted its full responses to two Government consultations aimed at reforming the home buying and selling process and improving the provision of material information in property listings.
The submissions were made on 7 January 2026 and follow consultations led by the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government, which closed at the end of December. The proposals focus on increasing transparency for buyers, reducing delays and fall-throughs, and modernising how property transactions operate in England and Wales.
The Conveyancing Association said its responses were shaped by extensive engagement with member firms, including an online roundtable discussion and a member survey. The organisation said this approach ensured the views and practical experience of conveyancers were fully reflected in its position.
While confirming its support for reform in principle, the Association outlined a number of safeguards it believes are essential to protect consumers and allow conveyancing firms to operate sustainably. Central to its response was the need for clearer and earlier provision of property information, coupled with firm limits on the scope of work and liability placed on conveyancers.
The Association stressed that providing upfront information creates additional legal work that must be properly recognised, priced and resourced. It warned against reforms that shift risk onto conveyancers without appropriate safeguards or clarity.
The responses also emphasised the importance of sellers instructing conveyancers at the very start of the transaction, before a property is marketed. The Association said early instruction would help identify legal issues sooner and reduce the risk of delays or failed transactions later in the process.
Another key element of the submissions was a call for standardised and trusted property data, shared through digital systems and property logbooks. The Conveyancing Association said these systems should reduce duplication and improve confidence in the information relied upon by all parties. It added that any such systems must be interoperable, portable and governed by clear rules on data use and responsibility.
The Association also highlighted the need for mandatory qualifications and effective regulation of estate agents, supported by meaningful enforcement. It said consistent compliance across the sector was essential to create a level playing field.
In addition, the responses called for a phased and realistic implementation period for any reforms, with early engagement from professional indemnity insurers. The Association warned that without this, firms could face unmanaged risk and unintended consequences.
Commenting on the submissions, Non-Executive Chair Nicky Heathcote said the consultations went to the heart of how homes are bought and sold and that conveyancers had a critical role in making reform work in practice.
Director of Delivery Beth Rudolf said upfront and material information had already delivered significant improvements where adopted, but warned that reform would only succeed with clarity on scope, liability, data reliability and early instruction of conveyancers.