The Law Society of England and Wales has unveiled a significant revision to the TA6 property forms used in conveyancing after extensive consultation with industry professionals.
In a decisive move aimed at addressing concerns raised over the 5th edition, the Society has introduced a two-form system that will become mandatory for certain practitioners by March 2026.
The new framework consists of two distinct forms: a 6th edition TA6 property form and a separate material information form.
The 6th edition TA6 form will be compulsory for members of the Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) from March 2026.
OFFER ACCEPTED
It is designed for use once an offer has been accepted, providing buyers with comprehensive information about the property before they commit to purchase. This form represents an enhancement of the 4th edition, which remains widely used.
In parallel, a separate material information form has been introduced, though its use remains optional for CQS members.
This document is intended to assist conveyancers who choose to accept instructions from sellers before a property is listed.
It is designed to facilitate the provision of material information recommended for disclosure to estate agents during the marketing phase.
DUAL FORM APPROACH
The decision to implement this dual-form approach follows backlash over the 5th edition TA6 form, which was introduced last year in line with new material information guidance from the National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team (NTSELAT).
Concerns about the form’s complexity and practical application led the Law Society to postpone its mandatory adoption and commission an independent consultation conducted by research agency 2CV Ltd.
Law Society vice president Mark Evans says: “We have learnt a lot through the consultation process, both about the TA6 form itself and the wider concerns of our members regarding the complexities of the conveyancing market.
“We heard from over 1,200 stakeholders, including solicitors, licensed conveyancers, estate agents, and sellers, who provided detailed feedback on their experience with the 5th edition. We have listened carefully and, in response to the prevailing sentiment, decided to replace it with two new forms—one mandatory and one optional.
“We hope this new structure will simplify the TA6 process and improve clarity for conveyancers and their clients.”
Recognising the pressure faced by practitioners amid looming stamp duty deadlines, Evans assured members that the transition would be gradual.
The Law Society has committed to an extended implementation period, commencing in October 2025, to allow firms ample time to adjust before the 6th edition TA6 form becomes compulsory in March 2026.
Further measures to support the transition include user testing of the new forms with conveyancers, sellers, and buyers from summer 2025 to ensure their efficacy and identify areas requiring additional guidance and comprehensive training and informational resources for conveyancers and their clients as well as a consultation on proposed amendments to the National Conveyancing Protocol.
The Law Society’s announcement signals a concerted effort to strike a balance between regulatory compliance and the practical needs of the conveyancing sector.
Whether the new two-form system will alleviate concerns remains to be seen, but it represents a proactive response to the widespread dissatisfaction with the 5th edition TA6 form.
