The Conveyancing Association (CA) has launched conveyancing ‘Pledges’, a set of customer service commitments, which all CA members have agreed to uphold.

These go beyond existing regulations and accreditation schemes and is the first time licensed conveyancers as well as solicitors have teamed up to create and uphold a formal industry-led commitment to improving the house-buying process.

“These Pledges go above and beyond the requirements of our members’ regulators and industry accreditation schemes such as the Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS),’ explained Eddie Goldsmith, CA chairman.

“Importantly, they also bring licensed conveyancers who can’t use CQS into the fold, thereby bringing the whole industry of specialist conveyancers together in a groundbreaking initiative. What the Conveyancing Association adds is a culture of fairness that sets the tone for the service our members provide, whether they are dealing with a large mortgage lender, a family buying their first flat together, or a conveyancer elsewhere on the chain.

“Considerable consumer frustration during the house buying process often comes from lack of communication from conveyancers. Consumers often feel uninformed and, due to legal jargon, unclear on the legal process. These Pledges will ensure conveyancers communicate regularly and clearly with their clients.”

Goldsmith added: “At the same time, the Pledges will assure lenders that transactions are promptly registered at the Land Registry with a good and marketable title, and that members will take pro-active steps to protect mortgage funds and combat mortgage and property fraud.”