Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by The Negotiator. Read the original article for full details.

Property Lawyers Warn Against Rushed Digital Homebuying Reforms

Property lawyers have expressed concerns about the government's response to its home buying and selling reform consultation, which outlines plans for greater use of digital processes in property transactions. The Conveyancing Task Force (CTF) has warned that moving too quickly towards digitalisation and AI-driven processes could overlook essential frontline expertise.

The CTF highlighted that similar issues arose during the development of the Building Safety Act 2022, where the lack of consultation with industry professionals led to significant consequences for leasehold conveyancing. The organisation also pointed to recent anti-money laundering requirements as further examples of policy changes being introduced without sufficient consideration for their practical impact on conveyancing firms.

The CTF is calling on ministers, civil servants, and policymakers to ensure that any homebuying reform is grounded in credible evidence, legality, and professional expertise. The group emphasised that while technology can support the process, it cannot replace legal judgment or the safeguards that protect homebuying from structural risk.

These concerns are particularly relevant for UK letting agents and inventory clerks, who may be affected by changes in the home sales process and the increasing use of digital tools in property transactions.