The updated document was drawn up by the Law Society’s conveyancing committee in collaboration with the Construction Industry Federation (CIF).

The changes reflect significant legal developments since the document was last updated in 2001.

Policy director Brian Hunt said: “In a further effort to support conveyancing practice reform, this new template is designed specifically to streamline the conveyancing process in respect of new build properties in residential estates and will reduce anomalies and ambiguities, and will provide much-needed clarity for practitioners.”

The new template is intended for use in residential estates only and is not suitable for use for one-off units.

It should be used for all new homes (houses and apartments) in residential estates on and after 1 February 2026, but can be used now as well.

The Law Society’s conveyancing committee urges solicitors to implement and adopt the use of the new document “at the earliest opportunity”.