Home Buyers And Sellers Group updates conveyancing protocol forms

Trade and representative bodies, such as those representing the legal, surveying, estate agency, and property management sectors, and notable organisations like the Conveyancing Association, collaborated to unveil the latest version of the BASPI (Buyer's and Seller's Property Information) form. This initiative marks the fifth iteration of the form, which aims to streamline processes and enhance transparency in property transactions.

The BASPI, created by the upfront information working group of the Home Buyers and Sellers Group (HBSG), is a comprehensive source of reliable datasets where all information can be conveniently accessed in one place. Its purpose is to accumulate all necessary information about a property when it is listed for sale in the market. The BASPI is divided into two parts to cover all aspects of property information comprehensively.

Part A

This section focuses on the disclosure of material facts required by regulations. It includes disputes and complaints, alterations and changes, notices, specialist issues, fixtures and fittings, utilities and services, insurance, boundaries, rights and informal arrangements, and other pertinent issues affecting the property.

Part B

This section provides additional information required for the legal process. It covers legal ownership, legal boundaries, and services crossing other properties, energy-related details, guarantees, warranties, indemnity insurances, occupiers, and completion and moving information. Parts A and B of the BASPI ensure that the seller can present their property as 'Market Ready' and 'Sale Ready.' It offers prospective buyers complete and transparent information for informed decision-making.

The latest version of the BASPI has undergone an annual information review. It was led by the HBSG Steering Group and coordinated by the Conveyancing Association. In this iteration, Part A of the BASPI includes several new information requests. There are additional details to be provided, such as:

Freehold shares.

Information on any reserve fund and annual contributions. The property's location within the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) area in London. Number of storeys in the building. The presence of any commercial property within the premises.

Title defect insurance policies on the property.

Also, new questions have been included regarding:

• The property's location within an area of unrestricted mobile phone coverage.
• Existence of air/water or ground source heat pumps.
• Any known risk of coastal erosion affecting the property or its boundary.
• Availability of step-free access from the street or throughout the property.

These updates aim to provide a more detailed and comprehensive overview of the property, ensuring buyers and sellers can access essential information for informed decision-making in property transactions. According to Beth Rudolf, Director of Delivery at the Conveyancing Association, each year, through the steering group of the HBSG, the Conveyancing Association (CA) oversees a comprehensive review of the BASPI's content. This ensures it remains current, covers all necessary information requests in today's property market, and continues to serve its purpose for all users who rely on it.

After this thorough review, the BASPI's Part A has been updated and amended.

This is a significant step as it helps identify crucial material information about the property that the seller is aware of. It's important to note that the conveyancing firm will still need to review title and authority information as part of its due diligence process. This review helps identify relevant information through the Local, Water, Mining (if applicable), and Environmental authorities.