Starting the legal process when a property is listed could help estate agents cut transaction times and reduce fall-throughs, according to LawtechUK.

The Ministry of Justice-backed initiative says technology already in use shows the potential benefits of moving legal preparation further up the sales process.

Analysis of 500 transactions using one lawtech model recorded a fall-through rate below 5%. Freehold properties reached exchange in around 30 days, while leasehold homes took around 45 days.

One recent deceased estate completed in 28 days.

The figures provide an early indication of what could happen if sellers prepare more legal and property information before finding a buyer.

For estate agents, shorter transaction times could mean less commission sitting in uncertain pipelines. Fewer fall-throughs could also reduce the time negotiators spend progressing sales that ultimately collapse.

The approach broadly reflects proposals contained in the government’s Home Buying and Selling Reform Roadmap.

The roadmap proposes moving more property information upfront and increasing the use of digital technology. It also includes plans for standards governing the use of AI in conveyancing.

Ultimately, the government wants sellers to prepare a standardised sales pack before marketing their property.

Some reforms will require legislation. However, LawtechUK says technology companies are already testing similar approaches on live transactions.

These include upfront property information, automated due diligence and shared transaction data. Companies are also developing AI-assisted conveyancing and real-time communication tools.

The aim is to tackle some of the longstanding causes of transaction delays. These include fragmented information, lengthy due diligence and poor communication between agents, conveyancers, buyers and sellers.

New YouGov research commissioned by LawtechUK highlights the impact on consumers.

More than a quarter (27%) of homebuyers said conveyancing caused prolonged stress and uncertainty.

Almost one in ten (9%) considered abandoning their purchase because of the stress involved. Meanwhile, 25% reported experiencing at least one collapsed sale that resulted in financial loss.

One model highlighted by LawtechUK is Conveyo, which starts the legal process when an agent lists a property.

Under the system, the seller instructs a solicitor at the outset. The solicitor then gathers and reviews title, lease and other key legal documents while the agent markets the home.

The process also provides material information upfront. It can identify lender requirements and potential legal enquiries before they delay an agreed sale.

Across the 500 property transactions handled through the model in England and Wales, fewer than 5% fell through.

LawtechUK argues that bringing this work forward could help agents and conveyancers identify problems much earlier in the transaction.

For estate agents, the potential prize is straightforward: faster exchanges, fewer collapsed sales and less time spent chasing transactions through to completion.

Chris Grant, LawtechUK panel member and MD, Client Value at Goodwin, said: “Earlier, better structured information can help identify problems before they hold up a property transaction, while automation can remove repetitive work and allow lawyers to concentrate on the decisions that require their professional judgement.

“As the new Legal Services AI Growth opens to applications from conveyancing property tech companies, we have an opportunity to look at evidence from successful British lawtech companies and understand what works, where the risks are and what needs to change if successful approaches are to operate at greater scale.”

LawtechUK says the combination of government reform and technology already being tested in the market creates an opportunity to examine which parts of property transactions can safely be automated, what should remain with the lawyer and how successful approaches can be adopted more widely.

Konrad Rotthege, co-founder and CEO of Conveyo, added: “The government’s vision of providing more information much earlier in the process isn’t something that’s years away. We’ve shown that it’s already possible using today’s technology.

“The economic barriers that once prevented upfront legal preparation can now be overcome. By combining structured property data with agentic AI, we can prepare properties before they’re sold, reduce unnecessary due diligence later in the transaction and allow solicitors to focus on the genuinely important legal work rather than repetitive administrative tasks.

“The result is a process that’s faster, more transparent and far more predictable for everyone involved.”