Handling high-rise conveyancing in the UK has become increasingly complex, especially following the Grenfell Tower tragedy and the resulting legislation. With the introduction of the Fire Safety Act 2021 and the Building Safety Act 2022, the landscape for conveyancers and their clients has shifted significantly.
Understanding these changes is crucial for anyone involved in high-rise property transactions. This blog will guide you through the key legislative impacts and how eConveyancer's enhanced quote functionality can simplify your search for qualified conveyancers.
Key Legislative Impacts
Fire Safety Act 2021:
Expanded Scope: This act now requires fire risk assessments to include external walls and flat entrance doors, in accordance with Section 1(3)(a) and (b). This mandates thorough compliance checks, adding an additional layer of scrutiny to the conveyancing process.
Building Safety Act 2022:
Defined Roles: Sections 72-81 of the act establish new roles such as Accountable Persons and Building Safety Managers. These roles must be filled by individuals responsible for ensuring the safety of high-rise buildings, and their compliance must be verified.
Safety Charges: The act introduces safety charges (Section 121) which must be assessed and clearly communicated to potential buyers. These charges cover the cost of safety measures and are an essential consideration in the conveyancing process.
The Cladding Challenge
EWS1 Forms:
External Wall Fire Review (EWS1) forms, introduced to certify the safety of cladding on high-rise buildings, are now critical. The absence of an EWS1 form can cause significant delays in transactions, as mortgage lenders require this certification for high-rise properties.
Remediation Costs:
The costs associated with removing unsafe cladding can be substantial, often impacting insurability and mortgage availability. Conveyancers must perform detailed due diligence to inform clients of these potential liabilities and costs, ensuring they are fully aware of the financial implications.
How eConveyancer Supports You
At eConveyancer, we recognize the challenges these legislative changes bring to high-rise conveyancing. To support our clients, we've enhanced our quote functionality. Now, you can streamline your search from the very start by selecting the ‘High Rise Building’ option. This ensures you only see firms on our panel that are equipped to handle the specific demands of high-rise conveyancing.
Benefits of Our Enhanced Functionality:
Time-Saving: Quickly find firms experienced in high-rise conveyancing.
Compliance Assurance: Ensure your chosen firm is well-versed in the latest regulations.
Transparency: Receive clear, upfront information about potential liabilities and costs.
We are committed to providing transparency and support, helping you and your clients navigate this complex landscape with confidence. Our goal is to make the conveyancing process as seamless as possible, ensuring compliance and clarity from the outset.
Take Action Today
Experience the difference with eConveyancer's enhanced quote functionality. Select ‘High Rise Building’ in your search criteria and connect with expert firms ready to handle your high-rise conveyancing needs. Choose from any of the firms below who are taking this work on the eConveyancer panel: