The Conveyancing Association has outlined practical reforms to improve transparency and reduce delays in property transactions, as part of its response to two government consultations.
The Conveyancing Association has confirmed it has submitted formal responses to two government consultations focused on freehold estates and private estate management arrangements, both of which closed on 12 March.
The consultations form part of wider government efforts to improve outcomes for homeowners and address inefficiencies in the homebuying process. The association said its submissions draw on input from member firms and aim to ensure reforms can be implemented without introducing additional delay, cost or uncertainty.
In its response on enhanced protections for homeowners on freehold estates, the association supported the removal of what it described as outdated and disproportionate enforcement remedies linked to rentcharges, arguing these can distort lending decisions and contribute to delays and additional costs.
It also called for greater transparency and consistency in how estate management charges are communicated. Proposals include clearer annual reporting with forward-looking budgets and reserve fund details, standardised formats for demands and notices, full disclosure of referral fees and commissions, and improved digital access to information.
The association warned that any restrictions on information requests could risk slowing transactions or causing them to fall through, stressing the need to align new requirements with existing conveyancing processes.
Further concerns were raised around delays in obtaining key information, the cost of management company packs, and the role of commonhold as a longer-term solution for developments with shared amenities.
RESPONSE
In its response on private estate management arrangements, the association highlighted the impact such structures can have on transaction speed and certainty. It called for nationally consistent standards for amenities to support adoption by local authorities, alongside greater use of mandatory adoption where assets serve a wider public function.
The response also proposed clear timelines, capped fees and improved resourcing to speed up adoption processes, as well as greater transparency around estate charges and long-term liabilities at the point of sale.
The association said stronger governance and accountability would be required, including giving homeowners greater control over management arrangements and supporting the use of commonhold where appropriate. Without consistent standards and clear enforcement, it warned, private estate arrangements will continue to introduce delay and uncertainty into transactions.
Beth Rudolf, director of delivery at The Conveyancing Association, said: “Both these consultations go to the heart of issues that conveyancers deal with every day.
“The complexity of freehold estates and private management arrangements can create delay, cost and confusion for buyers, and risk concerns for lenders, often because of poor transparency and a lack of consistent standards.
“Our responses support the direction of travel, particularly where it improves transparency and accountability, but they also make clear reform must work in practice. That means clear, standardised information, realistic timeframes, and proper alignment with the conveyancing process so transactions are not put at risk.
“We also need to address the root causes, including delays in obtaining information, the lack of obligation on third parties to respond, and the need for better digital access to property data.
“If these are tackled properly, we can remove a significant amount of friction from the home moving process and deliver better outcomes for both consumers and firms.”
