When regulatory uncertainty becomes a burden in itself
Summary
The article discusses the SRA’s decision to pause proposed changes to COLP and COFA roles, noting that the move will ease pressure on smaller conveyancing firms but also highlights broader regulatory uncertainty in the sector. It argues that firms are being asked to prepare for multiple overlapping reforms, creating cost, staffing and planning burdens even when proposals are later delayed or changed.
Why it matters
Residential property surveyors work alongside conveyancers in the home-moving process, so uncertainty in conveyancing regulation can affect transaction timelines, client expectations and collaboration across the chain. The article also points to wider reform programmes that may influence how property transactions are documented, progressed and completed.
Key points
- SRA has paused proposed changes to COLP and COFA requirements.
- Smaller conveyancing firms could have faced practical staffing and cost pressures.
- Firms are also dealing with multiple other proposed reforms at the same time.
- The article argues that regulatory uncertainty itself creates business burden.
- Home buying and selling reform is presented as a priority area for improvement.
This is an RPSA summary of a publicly available article. The full content remains with the original publisher.
