The expanding role of the conveyancer: where does the work end?
Summary
The article argues that the conveyancer’s role has expanded beyond core legal work to include more compliance, administrative and client-service tasks, contributing to longer transaction times. It highlights government proposals for greater digitalisation, reusable AML checks and AI standards, while suggesting that specialist tasks such as SDLT may be better handled separately.
Why it matters
For residential property surveyors, the article reflects wider transaction friction that can affect deal timelines, communication and completion risk. It also signals ongoing process change in the home buying and selling chain, which may influence how survey findings and other property information are coordinated within transactions.
Key points
- Government says conveyancing took 60% longer in 2025 than in 2007
- Additional AML, title complexity and lender requirements are increasing workload
- The article argues specialist tasks like SDLT may be better handled by dedicated experts
- Government proposals include digitalisation, reusable AML checks and AI standards
- Firms may need process redesign and centralisation, not just more technology
This is an RPSA summary of a publicly available article. The full content remains with the original publisher.
