The Law Society has unveiled updated versions of the TA6 property information form and the TA7 leasehold information form, bringing relief to conveyancers after significant controversy surrounding the fifth edition of the TA6. The previous edition faced criticism for its extensive material information requirements, which extended the document to over 30 pages.

The new TA6 sixth edition will replace both the 4th and 5th editions, which have been running concurrently since last year. Meanwhile, the TA7 form will become mandatory for Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) members from 30 March 2026.

Following the backlash against the fifth edition, the Law Society conducted a consultation that informed the latest updates. Over 1,200 solicitors, licensed conveyancers, estate agents, and sellers contributed feedback. Speaking on the latest Today’s Conveyancer Podcast, a member of the working group behind the sixth edition explained how the consultation shaped the form.

Sarah Sargent, Head of Residential Conveyancing at Flint Bishop, joined the Law Society’s working group in late 2024 in response to criticism of the fifth edition. The sixth edition is the outcome of nearly a year of weekly two-hour meetings, involving detailed analysis of member feedback, consultation data, and practical conveyancing experience. The committee reviewed 1,000 responses from conveyancer members, which provided valuable insights for practical improvements. One early decision was to separate material information from the TA6, improving clarity and usability.

The update also included a comprehensive review of home buyer understanding, usability, and associated liabilities. Improvements are reflected in clearer explanatory notes and a restructured form, developed through user testing, in-depth interviews with conveyancers and sellers, and eye-tracking usability studies. These enhancements ensure the form is both visually intuitive and logically structured for professionals and clients.

Key changes in the sixth edition include:

• A reduction in length to 15 sections

• Removal of questions on council tax, asking price, building safety, and accessibility

• Addition of more “not known” options for uncertain answers

Despite some criticism that the form updates lacked frontline conveyancing experience, Sargent emphasized that the working group is deeply experienced and hands-on, refuting claims of being out of touch.

Mark Evans, the new Law Society of England and Wales president, described the sixth edition as “a simpler form with clearer explanatory notes,” adding that “sellers can feel more confident filling it out and knowing when to get advice from their solicitor.” He continued, “Our job is to ensure the transaction forms used in the home buying and selling process are not just accurate but practical.”

The fifth edition of the TA7 leasehold information form has also been updated to reflect changes made in the TA6.

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Source: Today's Conveyancer