Minerva’s up front information and contract ready scheme is a ‘benefit to all involved’
Although in its infancy, a scheme spear-headed by the team at Law Firm Services and introduced in July 2020, has seen estate agents and lawyers across the North and beyond reap reward and benefit enormously. Speaking with Stephanie Hill, manager of one of 26 Ryder and Dutton branches it is clear that the ‘Contract Ready’ […]
Why a Digital ID Standard is a welcome step for conveyancers
Following on from our chat with Mike Harlow from HM Land Registry about Safe Harbour being a positive catalyst for change, Alastair Johnson is Founder and CEO of Nuggets, a blockchain ecommerce payments and ID platform that is redefining online security and privacy provides his insight on the Digital ID Standard. HM Land Registry (HMLR) […]
LSB set out how regulators can use technology to increase access to legal services
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has outlined how legal services regulators can actively support technology and innovation that safely increase access to legal services. By working together, regulators can create an environment that ‘de-risks’ innovation and reduces uncertainty for tech providers and consumers. The LSB makes it clear that regulation has an important role in […]
The quest is on to find the Best Paralegals 2021
Now in its third year, the National Paralegal Awards returns with its quest to find the Best Paralegals in the UK and businesses that support the industry. This year there are 19 categories comprising of 15 awards for individuals including three new categories Best Paralegal Newcomer, Best Commercial Real Estate Paralegal and Best Community Champion […]
Help to Build will be a huge boost for self build sector, says BuildLoan
BuildLoan welcomes the Government’s announcement on the Help to Build scheme as it offers wider opportunities for people to build or customise their own home. The new scheme also brings new opportunities for brokers to widen their client base and for lenders to expand their mortgage range. Help to Build works along the same lines […]
HMRC gunning for MDR Claimants, with new enquiry powers
HMRC have continued their SDLT winning streak in the Tax Tribunal, with another MDR Claimant suffering a heavy defeat for failing to meet the required thresholds to claim Multiple Dwellings Relief. Whilst these cases are interesting to tax lawyers from a technical tax perspective, the judgments are also a cautionary tale to property lawyers and […]
The British Conveyacing Awards shortlist is coming!!
In just a few days time we’ll be able to reveal the shortlist for the first ever British Conveyancing Awards, with the shortlisters being revealed on Friday 30th April 2021. The awards are brought to you by Today’s Conveyancer, alongside headline sponsor Lawyer Checker, a leading risk management service provider. Tom Lyes, Director of Engagement […]
New 95% Mortgage Scheme keeps conveyancers busy
The government-backed 95% mortgage scheme is set to bolster the property market but conveyancers potentially face more pressure with busier times ahead for the property industry. The Government announced in last month’s Budget a new 95% mortgage guarantee scheme that enables homebuyers to secure a mortgage with as little as a 5% deposit. The new […]
Roadmap out of Covid will help housing stock shortage
The housing market seems to be a hot topic of conversation at the moment. The amount of activity the market has enjoyed since it’s re-opening in May 2020 following the first lockdown, has possibly exceeded many people’s expectations. With stimulus from the government, such as the stamp duty land tax holiday, and subsequent extension, the […]
Safe Harbour is a positive catalytic change to sector
The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the projects which have seen technology adopted to help make processes more efficient. The legal sector, and specifically the area of conveyancing has been no different. It has been over a month since HM Land Registry (HMLR) released their “Digital Identity Standard” which enables home buyers to provide the identification […]
Conveyancers face disciplinary hearing after alleged housing process fraud
Two conveyancers are facing a disciplinary hearing following an investigation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The conveyancing solicitors from the West Midlands were scrutinised by the SRA after they acted for numerous clients who dealt with the sale of their homes through a ‘fast sale’ property website. Conveyancing solicitors, Meena Kumari and Teena Kumari […]
Industry supports Kindness Pledge
A week ago we launched our Kindness Pledge, as part of our Call for Kindness campaign, and it’s great to see people in the industry getting behind the pledge and making their mark. “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted” – Aesop For many of us, the challenges of home working […]
Risk Management Week Online with Legal Eye
Join Legal Eye for a series of events from 18-20 May 2021 focusing on how law firms should be adapting risk management strategy and processes in response to the pandemic and as restrictions start to ease. We’re bringing together the SRA, law firm leaders, MLROs, COLPS and COFAs, industry commentators, compliance experts and a series […]
Webinar: Tips for Applying or Renewing PII in 2021
Is your conveyancing firm ready for the process of applying for or renewing your professional indemnity insurance (PII)? To ensure that you’re prepared, join Clio’s UK Community Manager, Geraldine O’Reilly, along with Lee Catling from PII broker Lockton Companies LLP, in a free webinar: The Making of a Law Firm Series: PII—Tips for Applying or […]
ULS & Legal Eye announced as ESTAS sponsors
ULS Technology and Legal Eye have both been named as Executive Sponsors for The ESTAS Forum & Awards 2021 taking place in October. The awards are powered by ESTAS customer review platform for property professionals. ESTAS Founder Simon Brown explains “Through our review platform we are committed to helping home movers make more informed choices […]
June SDLT deadline out of reach for many sellers
Buyers who were aiming to capitalize on the 30th June stamp duty holiday deadline will have missed out if their property exceeds the £500,000, as there are now less than 70 days until the tapering of the extension begins. The transaction time for the average first-time buyer 99 days to complete, whilst an existing homeowner […]
Movers and Shakers – 23rd April 2021
Here at Today’s Conveyancer, we wanted to share with you the good news we’ve had within in the industry of professionals joining firms and those who have moved up the promotional ladder. This week we’ve seen the following announcements with regards to appointments and promotions: Lawrence Stephens has promoted Senior Associate Nisha Saigal to Director […]
British Conveyancing Awards Sponsor Spotlight: Thirdfort
In a series of Spotlight pieces, we are thrilled to introduce our supporters of The British Conveyancing Awards 2021 Alongside headline sponsor Lawyer Checker, we look forward to recognising individuals, teams and companies who have gone above and beyond to support buyers and sellers to move home during the most challenging year the conveyancing industry has perhaps […]
SearchFlow Case Study: Real Estate, Fox Williams
Background Fox Williams is an independent, progressive law firm located in the City of London. It has a diverse client list ranging from entrepreneurs and start-ups to household names, PLCs and multinational companies. The firm is proud of its reputation as a “quality alternative” to the larger City firms and has established a reputation for […]
Equity Release Council members vote for stability and expansion in Board elections
Members of the Equity Release Council (the Council) have voted for stability and expansion by reappointing three directors to its Main Board and widening its Standards Board membership at its 2021 Annual General Meeting. Will Hale, CEO of Key, Paul Turner, Managing Director, Retail at Just Group, and Dan Baines, Managing Director of Equity Release […]