By Gemma Fulbrook-Felstead, Operating Director, Collaborative Conveyancing.

The conveyancing process is at a crossroads, with technology and government policy paving the way for a more streamlined, efficient, and transparent home-buying and selling journey. Recent announcements from the UK government underscore a commitment to modernising the process, reducing transaction delays, and digitising property information to make conveyancing fit for today’s market.

At the heart of this transformation is the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven solutions, which are changing the way conveyancers manage enquiries. With the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MCHLG) launching a 12-week project to establish data-sharing rules, the sector is on the brink of a long-overdue digital revolution.

The Government’s Vision for Modernisation

The government has recognised that one of the key barriers to a smoother conveyancing process is the inaccessibility of critical property data. Currently, much of the necessary information – such as building control records, highway data, and local authority searches – is held in non-machine-readable formats, slowing down transactions and increasing costs.

To address this, the government has proposed digitising property data and introducing single, shareable ID verification throughout the transaction process. By making property information readily available from the outset, the aim is to reduce unexpected issues that often derail transactions and cause delays.

AI and Automation: The Future of Conveyancing

Technology is going to play a key role in improving efficiency, but firms don’t have to shoulder the burden of bringing in new technology themselves. This shift represents a real levelling-up opportunity for the sector, ensuring that firms of all sizes can adopt innovative solutions without huge upfront investment or financially binding contracts. Rather than developing technology internally, they can integrate existing market-ready products at a fraction of the cost.

A fully digital conveyancing system offers numerous advantages:

  • Faster Transactions: Automating responses to common enquiries speeds up the process and reduces the likelihood of delays.
  • Improved Accuracy: The introduction of solutions that incorporate AI minimises human errors, ensuring that responses are structured correctly and consistently across transactions.
  • Greater Transparency: Digital records and data-sharing protocols enable all parties to access the same information, reducing misunderstandings and disputes.
  • Enhanced Compliance: Smart technology can flag potential issues early, ensuring regulatory requirements are met without unnecessary delays.


What This Means for Conveyancers

For conveyancers, these changes present both opportunities and challenges. The shift towards digitisation will require firms to invest in new technology and adapt to evolving regulatory requirements. However, the benefits far outweigh the initial hurdles. Firms that embrace this new tech will be better positioned to handle increased volumes and provide better services to their clients.

Collaboration across the sector will also be crucial. The success of digital conveyancing relies on seamless integration between conveyancers, lenders, estate agents, and other stakeholders. Standardised protocols for data sharing, as outlined in the MCHLG project, will be instrumental in ensuring that digitisation delivers on its promise of faster, more reliable transactions.

The Road Ahead

The government’s commitment to modernising conveyancing signals an exciting era of transformation. While change will not happen overnight, the combination of smarter digital solutions such as Enquiry Manager, digitised property information, and new regulatory frameworks will significantly improve the home buying and selling process.

Conveyancers who leverage these advancements will not only enhance efficiency but also future-proof their businesses against an increasingly digital landscape. As we move towards a fully integrated and transparent conveyancing system, the sector must embrace innovation to meet the demands of the 21st-century homebuyer.

At Collaborative Conveyancing, we are committed to driving this change, providing solutions that streamline transactions and support conveyancers in navigating this new era of digital conveyancing.

 

 

Gemma joined Collaborative Conveyancing in May 2023. In her role, Gemma oversees all operational activities and processes for the business and manages the workstreams and effectiveness of the team.