The Conveyancing Association has welcomed recommendations from the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee, describing them as closely aligned with long-standing concerns across the sector.
The trade body said the Committee’s findings highlight persistent issues within the current system, which it described as slow, costly and a barrier to housing market activity. In a letter to housing minister Matthew Pennycook, MPs outlined the wider economic impact of delays and failed transactions.
Among the key measures backed by the Association is the introduction of upfront property information. It argued that ensuring critical data is available when a property is listed would allow buyers, brokers, lenders and conveyancers to make earlier and more informed decisions, reducing duplication and late-stage disruption.
UPFRONT DATA
The lack of consistent and reliable upfront data remains one of the most significant causes of transactions stalling or collapsing, the Association said, often after considerable time and cost has already been incurred.
It also supported proposals to strengthen the regulation of estate agents, including a formal Code of Practice and mandatory qualifications. The Association said higher and more consistent professional standards would improve the accuracy and timing of material information provided during transactions.
The current system is also influencing consumer behaviour, according to the trade body, with complexity and uncertainty discouraging movement across the market. This is particularly evident among downsizers and first-time buyers, limiting housing supply and overall activity.
UNLOCK HOUSING STOCK
The Association said improving efficiency and transparency would help unlock housing stock and support mobility across all tenures.
It also pointed to the government’s consultation on the home buying and selling process, which closed in December 2025, and called for clarity on how reforms will now be delivered. The consultation included a range of proposals that align with the Committee’s recommendations.
Beth Rudolf, director of delivery at the Conveyancing Association, said: “A number of these recommendations from the Select Committee recognise the reality of the current system and the impact it is having on consumers, conveyancing firms and the wider housing market.
“There is a clear need to reduce delays, cut fall-throughs and improve certainty, and many of the measures outlined here would help achieve exactly that.
“Upfront information, including searches, is essential. If buyers and lenders have the data they need from the outset, we can remove a significant amount of delay and uncertainty from the process.
“This is the foundation for any further reform and must be implemented effectively and consistently across the market.
“Improving standards across the market is key.”
“Improving standards across the market is key. Consumers should be able to trust the information they are given is accurate, complete and provided at the right time.
“A clear framework for estate agents, supported by proper oversight, would help create a more consistent experience for everyone involved in the transaction.
“These issues go beyond individual transactions. The way the system currently operates is holding back movement across the housing market.
“If we can reduce friction and improve certainty, we can support more people to move when they need to, which benefits the entire market.”
AVAILABLE SOLUTIONS
She added: “The industry has engaged fully with the consultation process and we await the roadmap for implementation.
“While it is vital Government now sets out how and when these reforms will be delivered, all of the solutions are already available to sellers and buyers as well the property industry today, we just need to grasp the nettle and get on with it.
“There is clear alignment across the industry on what needs to change. The focus now has to be on delivery.
“We stand ready to support Government in implementing reforms that will create a faster, more certain and more cost-effective home buying and selling process.”
The Select Committee’s recommendations are expected to form part of the next phase of reform, as the industry awaits further detail from government on implementation timelines.
