Conveyancing delays identified as major obstacle to home buying

Recent research indicates that conveyancing is a primary factor disrupting property transactions, with 42% of surveyed buyers citing it as the main obstacle, compared to 19% who blamed property chains.

Despite advancements in digital identity verification and case management systems, the industry remains heavily reliant on outdated methods. Approximately 70% of conveyancers still use email to exchange pre-completion documents, and 65% manage deadlines manually or via spreadsheets. Only 15% of respondents utilize a shared digital workspace to manage enquiries between parties.

These findings emerge as the government prepares reforms aimed at speeding up transactions through digital property records and upfront information packs. Experts warn that for these reforms to succeed, the industry must move beyond old habits and accelerate the adoption of connected digital technologies to ensure information moves reliably between parties.