Conveyancing points

I think I may have an answer to the question put by JJ Goldstein in his recent letter (see [2001] Gazette, 26 April, 17).It seems to me that some solicitors dealing with conveyancing are not familiar with provisions such as sections 61, 77, 81 and 196(5) of the Law of Property Act 1925 or the standard conditions of sale.

They prepare contracts stuffed with special conditions which repeat, or restate with minor amendments, matters that are adequately dealt with by statute or the standard conditions.

This situation will not change.

Conveyancing has stopped being regarded as an important part of the profession's work.Andrew Melling, Lionel J Lewis & Company, London SE12