Janine Wellington, managing director of Convey Law, and Lloyd Davies, MD of Convey365 and founder of the Conveyancing Foundation, outline their predictions for 2026 – and the future of conveyancing.
The property market
“The recent budget meant little for the property market moving forward, other than we are in for a busy few months at the start of next year, with misinformation pre-budget having curtailed confidence and therefore new conveyancing instructions for a couple of months.
“I think that interest rates will remain largely the same in 2026, and we should see another steady year – unless the government decides on stamp duty changes – which we don’t think that they will.” Janine Wellington
IT and AI
“In 2026, we’ll see further advances in the use of AI in conveyancing and the integration of case management systems. The use of AI is not optional – it’s a case of adapting AI to your way of conveyancing or not being able to keep up – and the consequences could be devastating!
“The use of AI for clients and conveyancers could be wonderful if used well – speeding up the process, taking away administrative work, and increasing the time for communication. Interactive client facing AI video and voice Avatars will come to the fore next year – all very exciting!” Lloyd Davies
Regulation and compliance
“I think that we would all like to see a return to partnership regulation, where legal practices work with regulators to overcome issues, as opposed to the sometimes purgatory and subjective regulation we have all read about in recent years.
“I think that AML compliance falling to the FCA may be a good thing and we would all hope for more specific guidance, which has been lacking in recent years. Few practitioners choose to get it wrong and clearer partnership regulation will ensure that fewer do.” JW
Charity giving
“I’m pleased that National Conveyancing Month in March and Wellbeing at Work in October will each be held over a month in 2026 to increase participation, collaboration, and engagement.
“It’s great to see so many conveyancers being nominated for Charity Giving awards this year. Conveyancers have certainly stepped up, with the foundation having issued over £12,000 in Charity Grants for conveyancers taking part in charity challenge events.
“Our Charity Lotto legal practice members have raised over £80,000 this year for their chosen charities and we have a new QR code Charity Lotto for everyone coming out in 2026 to get everyone more involved – watch this space! Well done to you all!!” LW
Conveyancing in 2026
“Recruiting experienced conveyancers will continue to be challenging, so legal practices will all need to be on top of their game in terms of employment packages, flexible working and training.
“It’s good to hear that conveyancers are increasing their fees and charging appropriately for their time. This allows for decreased capacity and better work life balance. Good and profitable business relationships with referrers of work is essential, with enhanced engagement and camaraderie all round.” JW
Wishing you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a prosperous 2026 from all at Team Convey.
