CILEX (the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) has sounded the alarm, asserting that the conveyancing process in England is in dire need of substantial reform, labeling it as "inefficient and ineffective."

Key among CILEX's recommendations is the insistence that sellers should be obliged to furnish 'material information' about their properties at the earliest stage possible. Additionally, they propose the introduction of an auction-style pack, enabling potential buyers to access and review title and accompanying documents during property viewings. These measures, CILEX argues, would not only expedite transactions but also foster transparency and mitigate stress for buyers and sellers alike.

Crucially, CILEX advocates for the implementation of new legislation rather than relying on voluntary initiatives within the industry. They argue that mandated reforms provide the best opportunity for meaningful improvements, circumventing the risk of piecemeal digitalisation and ensuring consistency across the sector.

A survey conducted among CILEX's 17,500 members, a third of whom specialise in conveyancing, underscores the widespread dissatisfaction with the current process. Over half of respondents deemed it inefficient, with a staggering 81% noting an increase in workload over the past two years.

Central to CILEX's proposal is the digitisation of information exchange, advocating for a codified system to facilitate seamless communication between parties. Moreover, they call for regulatory measures to govern managing agents in the leasehold process and advocate for mandatory qualifications and regulation of estate agents to bolster consumer protection.

Despite acknowledging potential cost implications, particularly for sellers, CILEX contends that the benefits of enhanced transparency and efficiency far outweigh the financial burdens. By empowering buyers with comprehensive information upfront, they argue, the likelihood of transaction withdrawals diminishes, ultimately resulting in a smoother, less stressful process for all parties involved.

In advocating for these reforms, CILEX emphasises the imperative of government intervention to drive digital adoption and standardisation across the industry. They underscore the necessity of mandating measures such as digital ID frameworks and qualified e-signatures to propel the sector towards a more streamlined, digitally-driven future.

As CILEX President Emma Davies asserts, collaboration across the sector is paramount to effecting meaningful change. By prioritising harmonisation and cohesion, underpinned by government mandates where appropriate, CILEX aims to usher in a new era of efficiency and transparency in the conveyancing process, ultimately benefiting consumers and industry stakeholders alike.