Buying or selling a property? Conveyancing protocol forms are changing

From 30 March 2026, conveyancing protocol forms are changing. Homeowners selling their property will be required to provide more detailed information at an earlier stage, allowing buyers to identify and consider potential issues sooner.

The new rules apply to law firms accredited under the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS), meaning they will be required to use the updated Law Society conveyancing protocol forms. These include the Property Information Form (TA6) and, where applicable, the Leasehold Information Form (TA7).

The updated forms (6th edition) represent a significant change in how information is collected, disclosed, and relied upon during the conveyancing process. Since sellers will be required to share more comprehensive information earlier in the process, buyers can spot and evaluate potential concerns at a much earlier stage. This earlier disclosure is intended to reduce delays, minimise the risk of transactions falling through at a later stage and improve overall transparency and efficiency in residential property transactions.

What’s new?

Each updated form is accompanied by revised explanatory notes, which have been rewritten to be clearer and more accessible. These notes are intended to be read alongside the forms and help sellers understand what is being asked of them and why accurate responses are important.

Questions have been rephrased to begin with “are you aware…”, and there are more opportunities for sellers to select “not known” rather than simply answering “no”. This approach is designed to reflect the reality that sellers may not always have definitive knowledge, while still encouraging honest and considered responses.

Importantly, the updated conveyancing protocol forms include clear warnings about the reliance placed on the information provided. Sellers are reminded that buyers can, and do, rely on the answers given. While sellers are not expected to have legal or technical expertise, they are expected to have a reasonable basis for their answers and to check that their responses align with the information reasonably available to them.

What is the reason for the change in conveyancing protocol forms?

There have been a number of cases where incorrect completion of property information forms have led to legal claims. For example, sellers have faced claims after incorrectly stating they were unaware of issues such as Japanese knotweed or breaches of planning permission, only for these matters to come to light after completion. In such cases, buyers have successfully pursued claims for misrepresentation and damages under the Misrepresentation Act 1967.

The revised forms are intended to make the implications of a seller’s answers clearer and to reduce the risk of similar disputes arising in the future, benefiting both buyers and sellers by promoting greater accuracy, transparency, and confidence in the conveyancing process.

I’m planning to put my house on the market soon. What should I do?

If you are planning to buy or sell a property, please get in touch with our team of experienced conveyancing solicitors who would be happy to assist you.

Willans was the first Cheltenham law firm to gain membership of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme – a mark of excellence for the home-buying process. 

Our highly rated residential property team has a reputation for excellence in Cheltenham and Gloucestershire, thoroughly and efficiently helping clients through a range of challenges that may arise.