It is designed to help speed up transactions and improve services for home buyers and sellers by managing communication throughout the chain.
Measures within the guide include:
– Agreed timings for regular phone calls and updates
– Giving estate agent access to online case tracking
– Monthly predicted exchange dates
The guide was developed following the results of a Conveyancing Association poll which found that 47% of buyers felt the parties involved in their sale or purchase could have communicated with each other better.
The poll also found that almost two thirds (64%) of house buyers experienced problems including delays during their transaction.
It builds on the publication last year of the Association’s ‘technical protocol’, designed to make the conveyancing process more efficient by providing licensed conveyancers and solicitors with a single point of reference for best practice – another industry first.
Eddie Goldsmith, chairman of the Conveyancing Association, said: “Whilst not a mandatory guide it brings together what the Conveyancing Association believes is a sensible and measured approach in helping to improve communications for the benefit of all concerned.
“We plan to continue to consult with the estate agency sector to identify further opportunities for improvement over the coming months.”
