Rushing to place digitalisation and AI-driven processes at the heart of homebuying reform has triggered a backlash from property lawyers, who warn about a lack of consultation.

It comes after the publication of the Government’s response to its home buying and selling reform consultation, which set out plans to make greater use of digital processes in property transactions.

Repeating mistakes

The Conveyancing Task Force (CTF) says it risks repeating mistakes made during the development of the Building Safety Act 2022, when frontline expertise was overlooked despite the legislation having significant consequences for leasehold conveyancing.

It also highlights the recently introduced anti-money laundering requirements as evidence that policy changes continue to be introduced without sufficient regard for their practical impact on conveyancing firms.

Integrity in property law is not transitional. It cannot be paused for political convenience, delegated to an algorithm, or traded for greed or speed.”

Stephen Larcombe, spokesperson for the CTF, said: “Integrity in property law is not transitional. It cannot be paused for political convenience, delegated to an algorithm, or traded for greed or speed. Any reform worthy of the name must respect the lessons of the past and the responsibilities of the future.”

The organisation is calling on ministers, civil servants and policymakers to ensure homebuying reform is grounded in credible evidence, legality and professional expertise.

Larcombe adds: “The CTF has consistently argued that while technology can support the process, it cannot replace legal judgment or the safeguards that protect homebuying from structural risk.”