An Expert Group on Conveyancing and Probate was convened by the Taoiseach in December 2023 and asked to review conveyancing from a user perspective, recommending changes, implementable quickly and easily to reduce delays and/or costs. The Group's recommendations were submitted to Government in June 2024.
A key finding of this Group was that there should be a national target/expectation of a maximum of 8 weeks to complete a conveyancing process from acceptance of an offer to closure of the sale. The Expert Group made recommendations to achieve this target amongst which included the development of a 'Best Practice Charter'.
Best Practice Charter
The Government issued Charter, sets out key principles of best practice for estate agents and solicitors relating to conveyancing. The attached Charter covers three key areas:
- Advice to seller clients
- Expediency/Efficiency/Avoidance of Unnecessary Delays
- Accountability
Adherence to the Charter will benefit both professionals and consumers/home purchasers in terms of setting out expectations in the delivery of conveyancing services. The commitment of the relevant professions to best practice, through the adoption of the Charter, is one of the components which is critical to the achievement of the overall eight week objective of completing the conveyancing process from acceptance of an offer to closure of the sale.
The Charter is not itself a regulatory document or Code of Practice and not legally binding on solicitors and or estate agents. The Charter has been developed based on evidence before the Expert Group, which demonstrated a need for a focused guide for professionals working together in a conveyance, for the benefit of clients and for the efficiency of the process.
Auctioneers and Estate Agents while professional in conducting conveyancing on behalf of their client should have regard to the aims of the Charter such that the conveyancing process is efficient and effective for all parties concerned.
The Charter is available here.