Law Society releases HSBC update to members
The Chief Executive of the Law Society, Desmond Hudson yesterday released a letter to members with an update on the situation with the HSBC. The HSBC in January announced that it had opted for 100% separate representation unless the conveyancer is on a panel of only just over 40 firms. The Law Society as a […]
Law governing Energy Performance Certificates set to change in April
The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 will come into force on 6 April 2012. It makes several changes to the existing legislation, and failure to comply with these can lead to fines of up to £5000. Set out below are the main changes. The first change to […]
Government launches Newbuy scheme to help boost the property market
The NewBuy scheme has now ended. For other schemes, please go to www.helptobuy.gov.uk Last week the government launched the Newbuy scheme. This is an initiative with the aim of helping those buyers who are unable to raise the large deposits needed to get a mortgage in the current market. The official website can be found here. […]
Rightmove House Price Index shows increase for March
The latest House Price Index from Rightmove for March 2012 has been published. The results seem to show a stronger market. The average asking price for March is £236, 939. This is a rise of 1.6% on February (£233,252). It also represents a yearly increase of 2.2%. In the first three months of 2012, […]
Will the Drought in South East England lead to an increased risk of subsidence?
In February the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) declared a state of drought in South East England following two dry winters. Caroline Spellman, Environment Secretary commented that “more areas are likely to be affected as we continue to experience a prolonged period of very low rainfall”. Property Assure, the property information and […]
Alternative Business Structures – what effect on the conveyancing industry?
Leading search provider Searches UK has recently published the results of its survey of those working in the UK conveyancing market. The survey was conducted in March and used a sample of 700 conveyancing practioners. 42% of those questioned believe that ABSs will have a negative effect on the conveyancing industry. One of the […]
Awdry Bailey & Douglas chooses SOS Connect for next generation case management system
Awdry Bailey & Douglas Solicitors has selected SOS Connect, from Solicitors Own Software, as its next generation integrated case management system. The new software will support the firm’s goal to provide a more proactive service to clients whilst benefiting from closer integration to improve time recording, customer relationship management (CRM) and business performance reporting. The firm has […]
Conveyancing Association members work with Lloyds Banking Group to improve panel data collection
Conveyancing Association (CA) members have been working with Lloyds Banking Group for the last six months, to develop the way in which data is collected on panel firms. Processses and criteria were tested by members and using these tests systems were further developed. This is to be rolled out to the rest of the conveyancing […]