Halifax HPI: Demand and prices falter amid ongoing conflict, but estate agents report determined buyers
The Middle East conflict continues to dominate housing market commentary as its impact begins to filter through into monthly reporting. The latest Halifax House Price Index shows house prices were down 0.1% in May, following a similar fall in April. Average growth is up slightly to 0.5%, from 0.4% in April. “Property price trends continue […]
Government shares details of cohabitation consultation, with three key areas of reform
The government has shared details of its long-awaited consultation on reforming cohabitation rights, which is open now and will run for 10 weeks until 14th August. The consultation will look at three key areas of reform: financial remedies on divorce and dissolution, protecting cohabitants on separation, and provision for cohabitants in cases of intestacy. Each of […]
CLC shares interim referral fee report and calls for ‘hard evidence of how fees are used or abused’
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) has published its interim report into the use of referral fees and put forward a series of recommendations to strengthen transparency and consumer protection. The review found that referral arrangements can play a legitimate role in conveyancing and help consumers to access services conveniently, provided they operate clearly, consistently […]
HMRC releases tax adviser guidance for conveyancers and confirms more updates will follow
HMRC has released its long-awaited guidance for conveyancers on the requirement to register as tax advisers and has confirmed further updates will be added to support applicants with the process. The guide has been issued in two parts: scope and requirement to register and checks against registration conditions. The guidance confirms a conveyancer is likely […]
SLC adds Renters Rights Act guidance to library of over 40 client guides
The Society of Licensed Conveyancers (SLC) has published a new client guide to the Renters’ Rights Act, to support conveyancers and firms in educating landlords, renters and members of the public. Written in plain English, the guide explains the implications of the changes and explains the impact of the landmark legislation on buyers, sellers, landlords […]
Slow take-up of QES at HMLR with just five submissions in Q1
The total number of e-signatures used at HM Land Registry by the first quarter of this year is five, according to a freedom of information request. Just two businesses have started submitting Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) since HMLR invited conveyancers and others to start using them last August. Just one e-signature was used by the […]
How can law firms select the right technology? Part 2: Who is making decisions, and are they the right people?
To help firms select technology that meets ongoing needs, Today’s Conveyancer invited four experts to share their top tips on identifying and implementing the right combination of software. In the first of a three-part series, the experts explore how a fragmented decision-making process and an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality can lead […]
Diary of a High Street Conveyancer – Dear Diary…
After reading that some of you believe I may be a fan of The Smiths and laughing about that (has anyone ever seen me with a bunch of gladioli in the back pocket of my jeans?), I decided to write a typical diary entry a la Adrian Mole. Bear with me on this one… Monday […]
‘Consumers don’t care about data’
“Consumers don’t care about data. They care about whether something will stop them buying the property.” So says Jess Green, chief commercial officer at property due diligence search provider Martello. The former conveyancer and mortgage broker joins the latest Today’s Conveyancer podcast to explore the changing world of environmental search reports and explain how climate […]