Ask the experts: home buying and selling reforms
The government is consulting on major changes to the home buying and selling process, aiming to make transactions faster, cheaper, and more reliable.
For conveyancers, these proposals could reshape workflows and client expectations. Here are our experts’ views on the four key proposals:
Material information
Sellers and agents will likely need to provide more material information before marketing a property.
The government is consulting on what standard material information for home buying and selling should be. It could include leasehold costs, planning consents, and parking information.
Early access to documents, like leases, could help buyers and sellers to address issues that otherwise surface several weeks into a transaction, reducing disputes and delays. But clarity is needed on the distinction between ‘material information’ and ‘upfront information’.
What’s considered ‘material’ will also vary from one client to another. For example, it might be a deal-breaker for a sole-trader if they’re not allowed to park their van outside their house.
It’s also important to understand what areas conveyancers should and should not get involved in. Wifi speeds matter to most people, but it's not a solicitor's job to advise on this.
Technology adoption
The reforms encourage greater use of digital tools like property logbooks, electronic signatures, and ID verification.
Many firms already use cloud-based systems, but adoption varies. Lawtech can be a way to simplify processes, like smart forms that only show relevant questions on the TA forms.
But conveyancing has a reputation of being most comfortable with traditional approaches. This is understandable as conveyancing will always be a people-focused business and client preferences differ.
For clients that still prefer paper, forcing them to use technology will create friction and make things slower.
The consensus? Many firms have learned to embrace tools that work for them and their clients, from the Land Registry portal to bespoke data systems, but there’s much more to do across the industry.
Conveyancers should continue to adopt technological advances in a way that best fits their needs.
Digital logbooks have many positives, but they could put too much pressure on clients to keep their affairs organised – automated updates, where possible, would be useful.
Binding agreements
Inspired by Scottish model, the government is exploring earlier legally binding agreements. This could reduce fall throughs but raises questions about fairness and practicality.
For example, what happens if mortgage terms change or a lender refuses to lend due to ground rent? When is it reasonable to back out of these agreements?
Conversely, some conditional agreements can become so convoluted that they lack real value, because they leave too many options for both parties to leave.
Conditions must be carefully drafted to balance speed with protection for both parties.
Entering into binding agreements sooner also brings a need for a conveyancer to be involved sooner, and the time and costs for this need to be considered.
Professional standards
The government’s plans include mandatory qualifications and a Code of Practice for estate, letting and managing agents.
Regulation is welcomed if it allows for a more consistent standard of service across estate agents. But the focus of this work needs to start with improving communication and transparency.
Ideally estate agents and conveyancers should always work with and not against each other, to avoid delays and potential client frustration.
Ultimately, estate agents and conveyancers both want successful completion.
TA6 6th edition
The new and improved TA6 Property information form (6th edition) is ready to use.
It was designed after months of research and user testing. Early client feedback suggests it’s clear, easier to use and includes helpful explanatory notes.
We’re expecting more detailed feedback from buyers’ firm enquiries.
Smart versions of the TA6 should appear soon as case management systems incorporate the form into their workflows. We hope this will make the form even more efficient to use.
From 30 March 2026, it becomes mandatory for CQS members, so now is the time to get familiar with the form and share your feedback.
Unsure how to get started? On 13 January, we’ll share everything you need to know about navigating the new TA6 form in our free online TA6 event.
What’s next?
The reforms could lead to several positive changes, but they also raise practical questions around workload, fees, and client expectations.
The Law Society will be responding to the consultation. We're also encouraging practitioners to respond directly:
Both consultations close on 29 December. The government will publish a roadmap with information on next steps in the first half of 2026.
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