Homebuyers using artificial intelligence (AI) to draft complaints and questions are creating additional work and delays in property transactions, according to conveyancing firm RG Law. The firm reports clients are increasingly using AI to generate lengthy lists of questions without fully understanding their transaction's context.
This trend forces conveyancers to pause work to correct assumptions before proceeding with purchases. Loren Ringshall, Conveyancing Case Manager at RG Law, noted that AI does not understand the complete history of a transaction or which party is responsible for providing information, potentially producing authoritative-sounding responses based on incomplete pictures.
The issue is particularly pronounced in leasehold transactions, where key information may be outstanding from managing agents, freeholders, or the seller’s solicitors. RG Law warns that checking and accurately answering lengthy AI-generated questions takes time away from the next stage of a transaction and can create unnecessary work, leading to cost implications.
Despite these concerns, The Property Ombudsman has ruled out requiring consumers to declare if they have used AI in their complaints. Lesley Horton of The Property Ombudsman stated that their rulebook governs agents, not complainants, and legitimate complaints should not face unnecessary barriers.