Home Buying and Selling Group launches logbook pilot

The Home Buying and Selling Group (HBSG) has arranged a new pilot scheme for a group of lawyers and conveyancers to improve the conveyancing part of the home buying process. 

The pilot will see lawyers and conveyancers adopt a new logbook system, with each containing consistent and standard information for all homebuyers.

It comes as lawyers have expressed concern about whether a logbook would help improve the conveyancing process.

The eventual aim is for the logbook to be rolled out industrywide, and the working group argues that the Government should play a stronger role to drive the development and adoption of the system.

The logbooks will contain owner's details, as reflected in the Title, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), a Title Plan, the Unique Property Reference Number (UPRN) and the identity of the owner, which should be verified by a certified identity provider in alignment with planned Government legislation on digital identity.

Stuart Young, who led this legal sector review for the HBSG Logbook Working Group, said: “We are delighted that, having done this work, we are looking forward to running 'test and learn' pilots with these law firms, with some of the Logbook Working Group members.

"In addition to this, the next steps involve the Logbook Working Group facilitating another session with surveyors to understand their requirements and estate agents to follow."