What It Means for Solicitors, Clients, and the Conveyancing Process overall
In the ever-changing world of property transactions, clarity and efficiency are paramount. One of the key tools for facilitating a smooth transaction is the Property Information Form (TA6), which has long served as the backbone of information disclosure between Buyers and Sellers during the conveyancing process. At the outset, Sellers are obliged to complete the TA6 which contains information (but not limited to) boundaries, disputes, planning information, alterations, utilities and general information about the property. This form provides the Seller an opportunity to disclose any information to a potential Buyer before committing to a purchase. However, due to widespread industry concerns surrounding the effectiveness of the document, as of 30th March 2026, The Law Society have confirmed amendments to the Form. It has been confirmed that a new TA6 will be introduced, and the current 4th and 5th Editions with be replaced with the new 6th Edition in the hope to positively impact the sale process for all involved.
What has changed?
As per The Law Society’s recent update, the following amendments will be made:
1. Simplified Structure
The 6th edition of the TA6 streamlines the form by reducing the number of sections. The form now consists of 15 sections - 10 fewer than the 5th edition. This simplification helps make the form easier to navigate and reduces the administrative burden on Sellers and solicitors.
2. Removal of Redundant Questions
In the 5th edition, questions were added to comply with material information guidance from the National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team (NTSELAT). These questions are now removed, reflecting feedback from the industry that these additions were unnecessary and added complexity to the form without contributing valuable information to the process.
3. Increased Flexibility with ‘Not Known’ Responses
One of the biggest complaints from Sellers was the rigidity of certain questions. The 6th edition introduces a broader range of questions that can be answered with a “not known” response. This change is in direct response to seller feedback and acknowledges that some sellers may not have access to all the information required to answer every question definitively. Additionally, more questions are now phrased as “are you aware…”, where a “no” response automatically counts as “not known.” This gives sellers more flexibility and reduces pressure to provide information they may not have.
4. Clarification of Terminology
The term “you” and “your” in the TA6 form will now be clearly defined to mean the person completing the form, whether that is the seller or someone acting as their personal representative, attorney, or trustee. This helps eliminate confusion about who is responsible for completing the form and ensures that all parties involved understand their obligations.
5. Improved Explanatory Notes
User testing revealed that the explanatory notes in the 5th edition were too dense and difficult to understand, which led to many sellers skipping over them. The 6th edition addresses this by rewriting the explanatory notes to make them clearer and more accessible, with better signposting and useful examples.
Benefits of the changes and why it is important
Conveyancing transactions can often feel overwhelming due to the sheer volume of paperwork and the stress of disclosing sensitive information. The new TA6 form aims to ease this burden by offering a clearer and more streamlined process. By promoting full disclosure, the updated form seeks to reduce the risk of post-sale disputes and help both Sellers and Purchasers manage expectations more effectively. For Sellers, these changes could lead to fewer delays and smoother negotiations, while buyers will have greater confidence in the accuracy of the information provided. As the conveyancing landscape continues to evolve, so too does the way information is exchanged. So far, the proposed changes to the TA6 have been well-received by conveyancers, offering reassurance that The Law Society has listened to feedback and taken meaningful action to address the needs of legal professionals.
Next Steps: Get in touch
If you would like to discuss your Conveyancing matter then please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of legal experts at John Hodge Solicitors, conveniently located throughout the South West, with offices in Bridgwater, Bristol, Clevedon, Wedmore, Weston-super-Mare and Yatton.
You can contact us either:
- by email
- via our website
- by calling us on 0800 097 8611
James Gass
Magdalena Neale
Samuel Turner