Today marks the commencement of a crucial inquiry by Members of Parliament (MPs) aimed at enhancing the home buying and selling process in England. The Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (LUHC) committee is poised to delve into this pivotal matter, poised to question key stakeholders including consumer advocates, professional bodies, and industry representatives.
Scheduled as part of the initial evidence session, the committee is set to interrogate organizations such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the HomeOwners Alliance. Their objective: to gauge the efficacy of the current procedures surrounding home transactions, and to ascertain whether voluntary improvements or legislative interventions are necessary.
The inquiry’s scope encompasses a comprehensive review of the transaction process itself, the adequacy of information available to prospective buyers, and the roles played by conveyancers and estate agents within this framework.
Among the notable witnesses scheduled to appear before the committee today are:
From 4pm:
- Kate Faulkner, Chair, Home Buying and Selling Group
- Paula Higgins, Chief Executive, HomeOwners Alliance
- Maria Harris, Chair, Open Property Data Association
From 5pm:
- Mairead Carroll, RICS Senior Property Specialist, The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
- Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns, Propertymark
- Beth Rudolf, Director of Delivery, The Conveyancing Association
This inquiry is poised to shed light on critical aspects of the home buying and selling process, with potential implications for policy and practice in the housing sector.
For those interested in witnessing the proceedings firsthand, the hearing can be viewed live at: Parliament Live Stream.