Survey shows conveyancers lagging on digital processes

The latest survey shows that conveyancers are using outdated methods, at a time when the government is looking to reform property transactions.

This survey is the Digital Conveyancing Maturity Index 2026, published by InfoTrack. It shows that seven out of every 10 conveyancers are still sharing crucial pre-completion files via email. This amounts to 70% of them. Meanwhile, 65% of conveyancing solicitors in North Wales and England are keeping track of completion deadlines either through spreadsheets or manually.

The purpose of the reforms the government wants to introduce is to make transactions faster and more transparent and give both sellers and buyers greater clarity. The organisation behind them is LawTech UK and it has responded to the survey by saying conveyancers should act now to get ready for them.

One of the reforms planned by the government is the introduction of binding contracts for sellers and buyers at an earlier stage. Others are the requirement for property information packs from the start of a transaction and digital conveyancing processes. This means the use of AI solutions, digital ID checks and logbooks.

The InfoTrack survey does show some progress towards these. 89% of conveyancers are checking ID digitally now, while 74% have switched to digital source-of-funds checking. A further 88% deploy a digital system for managing their cases.

Chris Grant from LawTech UK said conveyancers should conduct a review of all processes, to determine what needs to be updated.

At Bennett Smith Solicitors, we offer conveyancing services for North Wales. Call our solicitors in Bangor now to get started.