A survey of 1500 consumers showed that almost a quarter of all home purchases or sales had fallen through due to delays caused by third parties while 52% said their purchase or sale took longer than expected.
Eddie Goldsmith, chairman of the CA, said: “Anyone who has purchased or sold a house knows what a stressful time this can be.
“The Conveyancing Association’s mission is to look for ways to make these transactions quicker and easier – ensuring our members’ customers are provided with the best service possible. The CA’s protocol aims to do just that.”
In a bid to tackle this problem the Conveyancing Association has been working together with Connells, Move with Us, Countrywide and LSL Property Services, to develop the CA Protocol.
The protocol is designed to collate guidance from the Law Society, the Council for Licensed Conveyancers, the Legal Ombudsman, the Council of Mortgage Lenders and case law to provide a single point of reference for best practice.
The Conveyancing Association believes the protocol could shorten the length of time of a house transaction by up to five working days and that it will enable licensed conveyancers and solicitors to provide their customers with a better service.
Sheila Kumar, chief executive of the Council of Licensed Conveyancers, said: “I congratulate the CA on developing this useful protocol aimed at improving service to clients.
“Acting in the client’s best interest will always come before sheer speed but as we know any step to improve the conveyancing process is a welcome one.
“I hope that we can see more cross-sector action like this in future to improve the ways we work and to deliver better outcomes for consumers.”
Goldsmith added: “We encourage members and non-members alike to refer to the Protocol in an industry-wide effort to streamline the conveyancing process.”
