Residential conveyancers are implementing changes to property transaction processes up to three years ahead of government mandates, according to industry professionals across the sector.
The government has committed to introducing buying and selling reforms by the end of the current parliament, with a deadline of 9 July 2029, assuming no snap general election occurs. The reforms will be phased, with sales packs likely mandated before early binding agreements.
According to the official Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government statement, sales packs will be mandated when parliamentary time allows, though the government is working with industry to identify information that can be voluntarily provided immediately.
Industry response
Legal professionals interviewed for this report expressed unanimous support for the government’s direction on transaction reform. Conveyancing firms are using terminology such as seller readiness, legal packs, upfront information, and early instruction to familiarise clients with future requirements.
Janine Wellington at Convey Law stated: “A successful reform programme will require a clear public education campaign. Consumers need to understand that providing information upfront is not an additional burden but a proven way to reduce delays, uncertainty and failed transactions.”
Ben Ridgway at iamproperty added: “Government, conveyancers, agents, surveyors, lenders, portals and technology providers should reinforce the same message. A coordinated public-awareness campaign would help prevent conflicting information and help drive change faster.”
Consumer behaviour patterns
The most recent English Housing Survey revealed homeowners with an outstanding mortgage move an average of every 8.9 years, while homeowners without a mortgage stay in their properties for 23.7 years. This timeline presents challenges for sustained public awareness campaigns.
Rob Gurney at Ochresoft noted: “Conveyancing is often misunderstood and the current process is already unfamiliar to many. Telling consumers that the process has changed is unlikely to shift perspectives.”
David Jabbari at Muve suggested that buying and selling reform represents an opportunity for conveyancers to assume a more prominent role in the sales process, given that legal review will be required before properties are marketed.
Current initiatives
Several firms have already launched preparatory programmes. ASAP introduced Buyer Information Packs following changes to Material Information guidance and plans to launch a ‘sales pack ready’ campaign. Iamproperty launched ‘Sale Ready’ ahead of the reform announcement, enabling preparation of Material Information, searches and legal documentation from listing.
Research from Ochresoft indicated that 89% of sellers would instruct a conveyancer before listing for a faster sale, and 71% would pay their conveyancer upfront for better data sharing. Iamproperty’s tracker data showed 54% of consumers would pay for a solution bringing more information upfront to speed up transactions.
The Ochresoft report also found that 92% of conveyancers identify client-related barriers to early instruction, though consumer data suggests this perception may not reflect current sentiment.
Comparison with previous schemes
The reforms have drawn comparisons to the failed Home Information Pack (HIP) scheme. The government has acknowledged lessons learned from HIPs, with MHCLG’s preparation including communication about how the new approach differs, particularly regarding trusted data sources and clear standards.
Wellington stated: “The comparison with HIPs is understandable but today’s market is very different. Digital technology, Material Information requirements and consumer expectations have moved on significantly.”
Roxane Barker at Fix My Legals noted: “There will inevitably be scepticism of the upcoming reforms because of HIPs. Not just among home movers but among solicitors too. The industry needs to demonstrate that this is not simply another upfront cost or administrative hurdle.”
Fix My Legals reported completion times of around 76 days, below the industry average of more than 100 days from offer to completion.
Market implications
The voluntary adoption of reform-aligned processes by conveyancers could impact completion times before legislation takes effect. Early adopters are establishing case studies that may facilitate smoother implementation when requirements become mandatory. The shift comes as the property market faces continued interest rate uncertainty, while house price growth shows signs of slowing.
The proactive stance taken by conveyancing firms represents a departure from typical regulatory implementation patterns, where industries often await formal mandates before adjusting operational processes. Whether this early adoption translates to reduced transaction times and improved consumer outcomes will become clearer as more firms implement similar approaches over the coming years.
