Half of UK conveyancers rate HS2 consultation process as poor
New research released by Groundsure today finds almost half (48%) of UK conveyancers believe the Government’s consultation for the changed HS2 route has been poor, with 14% saying it was of extremely low quality and caused concern. A further 34% said the HS2 consultation was not a great process and none of those surveyed felt […]
Problems with misrepresentation
The basic cause of action for an incorrect reply to one of the questions on the Property Information Form is an action for misrepresentation. A misrepresentation is an untrue statement made by one contracting party which is relied upon by the other, which induces him/her to enter into the contract, and as a result of […]
Legal Services Board, not Ministry of Justice, needs to act to secure independent regulation
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) has reacted to the release today of the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) Market Study on the legal sector.
Best in conveyancing recognised
Judged by a panel of property professionals, the Sunday Times Conveyancer of the Year Awards announced its winners for 2016. Chaired by the Property Ombudsman and with the support of the NAEA and NFOPP, conveyancers are considered using various methods including telephone interviews and mystery shopping assignments. The judges then come together and propose their […]
How to prepare to defend your law firm’s reputation in the event of a cyber attack
With cyber-crime making the headlines more and more frequently, it is becoming increasingly important that law firms of all sizes understand how to handle such a situation professionally and keep their reputation intact. Here are some steps any law firm can take to help ensure that a cyber-attack or data breach doesn’t cost them their […]
VAT applied to CON29 council searches – time to reconsider?
Due to recent changes introduced by HMRC, the search industry has been advised that Local Authorities will be required to apply VAT, at its current 20% rate, to CON29 fees from 3 January 2017. Ipsos MORI Local Land Charges Survey Highlights Personal Search Quality Interestingly, recent research – ‘Local Land Charges Survey’ conducted by Ipsos […]
Are you complying with the SRA/CLC/Cilex Code of Conduct?
For many busy conveyancers, it can be a constant juggling act staying on top of your caseload, keeping your clients happy and ensuring compliance with the obligations of your regulators Code of Conduct. From your professional performance and due diligence procedures to maintaining a suitable training programme for your firm’s employees, it is essential that […]
Stand and deliver
As the Government comes under increasing pressure to meet housing targets, compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) are gaining favour as a means of allowing a public body to take a property by right where it is needed as a matter of public interest. In its sixth report “Removing the Barriers to Housing Delivery”, published in March […]
Stamp duty impact on high-end homes
In the last six months following the second home stamp duty increase, the revenue accumulated from the tax has fallen by £500 million, according to recent research. The report from London Central Portfolio (LCP) analysed figures from the previous 12 months and summarised the key findings: Sales above £10 million fell by 75% – this […]
Remortgaging drives market activity
First-time buyer and remortgaging activity have both seen annual growth, at 13.1% and 24.6% respectively. Recent research indicates that the mortgage market is being propelled by remortgaging activity, an area which is outperforming all others. As people sought to remortgage, November saw a spike in market activity. In comparison with October, the valuations rose by 4.9% […]
Planning cuts make housing targets impossible, says new research
Nearly 90% of local authorities believe that the Government’s housing targets will be impossible to meet due to a lack of planning resources, according to a new joint research report from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and the Local Government Information Unit (LGiU). The report, which is the first of its kind to draw […]
VAT on CON29 searches confirmed
Following our announcement last week, Today’s Conveyancer has now received confirmation directly from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) that VAT will be applied on CON29 searches. The HMRC spokesperson said: “The provision of information by local authorities using the CON29 process will be subject to VAT. Final details are being discussed with them. This change will […]
Land Registry Christmas opening hours
Land Registry have published their opening hours for over the holiday period
As another month passes, dreams of home ownership drift further into the distance for many
Andy Sommerville, Director of Search Acumen, comments on ONS House Price Index, October 2016
GeoSmart reveals full extent of groundwater flood risk to property
The environmental reports and data specialist explains how groundwater flooding causes more damage to property, but is the least understood. GeoSmart Information has launched an important new guide that shows the threat from groundwater flooding and how England’s property and vital infrastructure, and therefore its communities, face major economic losses. Built on preliminary analysis from […]
20% increase on Local Authority CON29 fees from January 2017
VAT on Local Authority CON29 fees will be introduced on 1st January 2017
Housing supply still short, says RICS
The RICS Residential Market Survey for November indicated a small rise in enquiries from new buyers, for the third month in a row. Expectations in the short term indicate a moderate yet ongoing activity for the upcoming months. General activity As the majority of respondents observed an increase as opposed to a decrease, the RICS […]
Help improve AML standards
The Home Office, as part of its Flag It Up campaign, is looking for solicitor feedback on attitudes towards anti-money laundering (AML) regulation and available information. Completion of the survey will improve the understanding of the Home Office in regards to providing support to solicitors to meet AML obligations. The brief survey closes on 19th December […]
HS2 likely to affect fewer homes than first thought
The Government’s preferred route for HS2 north of Birmingham will adversely affect 3,500 fewer households outside London than the original plans, thanks to changes to the Sheffield section of the route, new research has shown. According to environmental consultant Groundsure, 11,000 fewer people outside London live within 1km of the new proposed route, which was […]
The BIG conveyancing quote question!
If there were only a way to generate more qualified leads that didn’t require precious hours away from billable work. How do you capitalise on all possible business development opportunities in this profoundly changing marketplace? The revolutionary PALI Smart Quote application does not replace existing business development channels and face-to-face contact; it has been designed […]
