BPF welcomes Queen’s Speech

The British Property Federation (BPF) has welcomed legislation proposed in the Queen’s Speech on Wednesday, which confirmed that the Government will push through commonhold and leasehold reform and introduce e-conveyancing. Will McKee, director general of the BPF, said: “The interest of the property industry will focus on the Land Registry and the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bills. However, we remain concerned about the flaws in the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill, particularly on the leaseholder’s Right to Manage. If ministers are willing to adopt a less confrontational and intransigent stance in responding to the efforts of the industry to suggest improvements, the end result will be an Act that we can all support.” Michael Napier of the Law Society was also pleased by the commitment to introduce e-conveyancing. “We welcome the Government’s pledge to develop this area. We hope that it indicates an end to the government’s unpopular attempts to introduce a seller’s pack containing a compulsory home survey.” But Hugh Dunsmore-Hardy, head of the National Association of Estate Agents, was dismayed that seller’s packs were ignored. “E-conveyancing will speed up the end of the process. But seller’s packs are the building blocks – they go together. To lose the opportunity to introduce them is a great shame,” he said. McKee also remarked that it was “curious that the government has not committed itself to reintroducing the Homes Bill in the session”. EGi News 21/06/01 References: EGi News 21/06/01