Consultations begin on a proposed new Property Tax
The government has launched a formal consultation process with a view to introduce a new Residential Property Developer Tax as part of its Building Safety Package including cladding repair work. The tax is one of the government’s measures to bring an end to unsafe cladding, provide reassurance to homeowners and support confidence in the housing […]
Fire Safety Bill is given Royal Assent
The Fire Safety Bill has been passed in the Houses of Parliament and granted Royal Assent today (29th April). The Bill is to make provision about the application of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 where a building contains two or more sets of domestic premises; and to confer power to amend that order […]
Survey reveals extent of mental health decline in conveyancing professionals
Search and software provider poweredbypie, a Dye & Durham company, has revealed the extent of mental health decline in the industry. A research survey of 338 conveyancers conducted last month by poweredbypie, showed that 80% respondents had experienced a decline in their own mental health or that of a colleague due to work pressure during […]
Simplify announced as Champagne Sponsor for The British Conveyancing Awards
We are delighted to welcome Simplify as our Champagne Reception sponsor, for the upcoming British Conveyancing Awards, which are a little over 3 weeks away. Today’s Conveyancer spoke to, Kevin Smith, Chief Operations Officer about their involvement in this year’s awards. Who are Simplify? Simplify is the UK’s leading conveyancing and property services business. Created in March 2019 by the combination of the […]
74% of legal professionals struggle to complete essential legal learning
Almost three quarters of legal professionals are struggling to find the time to complete essential learning and training because of heavy workloads. New research from legal software specialist Access Legal has highlighted the challenges law firms across the country are facing when it comes to learning, as well as the ways the pandemic has shifted […]
App-Based Digital Onboarding Solution by InfoTrack & Perfect Portal
Streamline client onboarding with your very own mobile app. Electronic client onboarding solution (eCOS) is a powerful advancement within the legal industry. Perfect Portal, a market-leading legal technology provider, has integrated eCOS into their branded mobile app for law firms to provide a streamlined digital onboarding journey for their clients. This seamless integration of both […]
As property completions soar, how can conveyancers keep up?
The latest property market figures* show that after an understandably volatile 2020, residential listings and completions picked up to 2019 levels in January and February this year. This culminated in a 66% increase in property completions, when comparing March 2019 to March 2021. This surge can be put down in part to playing catch up […]
Update: HMLR Sign your mortgage deed
HM Land Registry has updated their practice guidance regarding the signing of the mortgage deed. The change reflects: Updated the Sign your mortgage deed: guide for conveyancers page to include reasons for an application not automating. More information is available here.
A Surrey Council joins Land Registry’s Local Land Register
HM Land Registry’s digital Local Land Charges Register continues to grow, enabling the digital transformation of homebuying with Surrey Council now joining Land Registry’s Local Land Charges Register. Anyone requiring local land charges (LLC) searches in the local authority area of Spelthorne Borough Council will need to get them from HM Land Registry rather than […]
British Conveyancing Awards Sponsor Spotlight: X-Press Legal Services
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]