February 2017 | Today's Conveyancer

Building demand means 11 house hunters chase each property

The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) Propertymark has recently issued its January Housing Report.

Bovis billed £7m to compensate owners of poorly-built homes

In the wake of Bovis Homes having to pay £7m in repair costs, new questions have been raised regarding the standard of new-build properties.

Conveyancing Data Services – January Reflections

CDS Sales Director, Richard Pickles shares his thoughts on the High Court’s decision regarding Article 50 as well as the implications for the post-referendum economy.

Search Acumen comments on Department for Communities and Local Government housing statistics

Following the recent release of the 2016 housebuilding statistics from the Department for Communities and Local Government, Director of Search Acumen, Andy Somerville has commented: “2016 housebuilding starts soared to their highest level seen in England since the financial crisis in 2008 – reaching over 150,000 across all dwellings. During a year filled with uncertainty, many […]

Buying and renting savings gap shrinks

According to recent research from Halifax, yearly savings for first-time buyers fell in comparison to those who rent, dropping last year to £651, from £879 in 2015.

Lowest asking price growth since 2013

According to a recent report, the growth in house prices has fallen to its lowest rate since 2013 due to warnings against overpricing.

Challenges in 2017: Risk and Compliance Survey

Legal Eye are carrying out a short survey on the challenges law firms are facing in 2017 in relation to risk and compliance. All survey responses will be collated and a summary report provided to those who choose to leave contact details. The survey takes less than 5 minutes and all responses are treated with […]

Sudbury sinkhole chaos directly linked to unrecorded historical mining

The people of Sudbury, a town in Suffolk, have had to endure traffic chaos for more than a month due to a gaping sinkhole that has occurred in the centre of the town.

HMRC January property transaction data

Revealing the monthly estimated figures for both residential and non-residential property transactions, HMRC property statistics for January 2017 have recently been released.

January Land Registry transaction data

The Transaction Data indicates that in January, 1,563,350 applications were completed by Land Registry.

Expert Opinion: Conveyancing fraud – Who picks up the bill?

I think that it is fair to say that many conveyancers have been shocked by the decision in Dreamvar (UK) Ltd v Mishcon de Reya (see Today’s Conveyancer January 30th 2017). But it is consistent with previous court decisions and follows basic principles. The buyer’s solicitors were held liable to a buyer client for breach […]

Say what you think

Say what you think The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s soon to be issued consultation could have a huge impact in the event of a claim. Howden encourages all law firms to make their thoughts known As I write this, the April 2017 solicitors’ renewal season is hull-down on the horizon. The October renewal is still fresh […]