Industry reacts as conveyancers’ duty to advise on climate legal risks is confirmed
The Law Society has confirmed solicitors’ overall duty to advise on climate legal risks in transactions and, as many predicted, conveyancers’ initial response has been frosty. Conveyancers have been consistent in their stance, feeling as though they are being asked to advise on matters regarding which they have no experience or expertise. Indeed, a survey conducted […]
Polluter pays: Solution to the building safety crisis?
A new amendment to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill with the potential to offer some reprieve amidst the building safety crisis is set to be debated in the House of Lords on Monday. The Polluter Pays Amendment, advanced by the Earl of Lytton, aims to enhance the protections offered to leaseholders who are living […]
Land Registry-backed simultaneous settlement platform unveiled
A brand-new digital synchronised settlement prototype promising to “bring fully digital property transactions a step closer” has been revealed. The prototype is born of collaboration between the Bank of England (BoE), HM Land Registry (HMLR), Bank of International Settlements, and Coadjute. The concept, which forms part of Project Meridian, proposes to reshape the way property […]
First-time buyers face record prices as sales recover – report
New data has revealed that sales agreed numbers have recovered to be in line with the more normal pre-pandemic market of March 2019. According to Rightmove, one of the dips in the market was the fallout from the mini-Budget towards the end of September, with sales agreed initially plunging by 21% the following month as […]
New digital hub promising to ‘connect the home-moving market’ revealed
A new digital hub has been unveiled with the ambition of “connecting the home-moving market” through improved data sharing systems between each part of the property industry. LandmarkConnect, developed by Landmark Information Group, ultimately aims to improve efficiency and reduce the current average transaction timeline of 133 days. “With the home-moving industry famed for its […]
FCA reaffirms commitment to green mortgages
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has reaffirmed its commitment to helping borrowers to improve the energy efficiency of their homes through green home finance. In essence, said the FCA, a green mortgage refers to a mortgage which includes an incentive for people to either purchase an energy-efficient property, or improve the energy efficiency of an […]
The ‘holy grail’ of fully digital property transactions
In an article published in Today’s Conveyancer earlier this year, I stressed the importance of being forward-looking as the digital age advances around us. Less than three months later, we have had the announcement of a ground-breaking, brand-new digital synchronised settlement prototype which should help bring the Holy Grail of digital property transactions a step […]
Conveyancing Foundation welcomes Rob Hailstone and Lynne Hailstone as new ambassadors
The Conveyancing Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of Rob Hailstone and Lynne Hailstone as its new Charity Ambassadors. The role of an Ambassador is to inspire, educate, and promote the work of the Conveyancing Foundation within the wider property industry. The Hailstones will play a crucial role in increasing the reach of the […]
Friday afternoon fraud: 5 proactive measures for protecting your clients
It’s Take Five Week – a national campaign led by UK Finance to provide simple and unbiased advice that can help prevent email, phone, and online fraud. The focus is on cases where fraudsters pretend to be trusted organisations, such as law firms. During Take Five Week we are raising awareness of Friday Afternoon Fraud. […]
North Yorkshire gets instant access to local land charges
HM Land Registry and the local land charges (LLC) teams in North Yorkshire have successfully migrated their LLC registers over to the digital LLC service. On 1st April, seven district authorities in North Yorkshire merged with the county council to become the North Yorkshire Council. The council says this “significant step will allow them to […]
