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A Swansea University academic has been working alongside The Law Society to endorse industry-wide guidance to conveyancing firms advising clients on house moves during the coronavirus crisis.
Professor Michael Draper was part of a group of legal professionals who attended remote meetings with government and industry body representatives.
Amid the ongoing health situation, thousands of people have found themselves exchanging contracts on property purchases but without the ability to legally complete due to lockdown regulations.
As a result, many individuals would be in breach of contract when completion day arrives, so the small team had to come up with a solution around variation of the contract – a highly complex legal procedure.
Professor Michael Draper from the Hillary Rodham Clinton School of Law commented:
“It was a privilege to be part of a great team from the Law Society that has worked to relieve the anxiety and stress for the thousands of people and transactions affected by this issue, which for many represents a substantial economic and emotional investment at a time of national emergency.”
Simon Davis, Law Society president, said:
“The Law Society recognises the real difficulties faced by those who are trying to move home, particularly for those who have exchanged contracts, but are not able to complete, for a variety of reasons created by the restricted movement requirements.
“The guidance from the government, and that produced by the Law Society in conjunction with other conveyancing bodies, is our attempt to offer some solutions in these exceptional circumstances.
“There are no simple solutions and the position is one that is fluid and changing. We will keep it under review and if necessary step in again.”