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Conveyancing Association welcomes manifesto commitments on home buying reform



The Conveyancing Association (CA) has welcomed commitments on home buying reform made by UK political parties campaigning in the general election.


The CA particularly supported the Conservative Party’s commitment to reform and modernise the home buying process and crack down on unfair practices in leasehold.

This followed Labour’s manifesto pledge to give leaseholders security from rip-off ground rents.

Eddie Goldsmith, chairman of the Conveyancing Association, said: “It’s clearly very important that there is political will to deliver on the changes required in the home buying process which is why the CA has been greatly encouraged by the noises being made by various political parties on this topic, and indeed through our own discussions with those who will be charged with delivering in this area.”

Despite this support, the CA questioned the Conservative Party’s decision not to reintroduce home information packs (HIPs) if it forms the next government.

Although the organisation recognised the lack of appetite to bring back HIPs, it argued that the provision of upfront information in the homebuying process would likely provide significant benefits to all.

The CA committed to delivering a digital home report which would provide information to prospective purchasers at the point the property is marketed.

It also urged all political parties to engage with the conveyancing industry to better understand what is required to deliver a modern conveyancing process.

“We believe it is, without doubt, the right time to completely move away from the 19th Century conveyancing process which is in no way fit for 21st century consumers,” added Eddie.

“At the heart of our white paper and this year’s strategic plan is a focus on cutting out the unnecessary cost and delay which can leave all parties on tenterhooks for two months or more before they can exchange contracts.

“This truly represents a pivotal moment to deliver much-needed conveyancing change, and the CA (along with all other stakeholders) is urging everyone to grasp the opportunity that now presents itself.”



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