Private equity firms have invested over £1.18bn into UK law firms since 2019
Since 2019, private equity firms have invested over £1.18 billion into UK law firms, with a record £534 million injected in 2024 alone, according to research by Acquira Professional Services. Traditionally resistant to external ownership, many firms are now reconsidering their stance, enticed by the potential for growth, digital transformation, and strategic expansion. The research […]
‘Momentous’ amends to Employment Rights Bill sees recognition for expectant parents who suffer miscarriage
A prominent family lawyer has won her fight to recognise the rights of expectant parents who suffer a miscarriage before 24 weeks of pregnancy following the inclusion of bereavement leave in an amendment to the Employment Rights Bill. Keeley Lengthorn, partner at RWK Goodman, began her efforts to see expectant parents who suffer miscarriage before […]
Government accepts all 58 Grenfell Inquiry recommendations
The government’s response to the Phase 2 and final report into the Grenfell Tower tragedy has been published, accepting the findings of the report and 49 of the recommendations made by the enquiry. The government says is accepts in principle a further nine but says committing to action on them might involved further consideration, including […]
Speed of change must be tempered with the right “guard rails”
The speed of change in the property market must be tempered by having the right ‘guard rails’ in place to ensure the more than £8tn of property registered at HM Land Registry (HMLR) (and the additional value of unregistered property) is properly protected throughout the current digitisation and modernisation of the home moving process. In […]
Survey to hear the voice of females in the property sector
A survey designed to capture the experiences and voices of females working in the property sector is encouraging women from across the residential property sectors to contribute their responses. First launched in November 2024, the survey has been created to fill a ‘data void’ of anecdotal evidence of discrimination of women in the workplace across […]
50,000 more properties for sale in 2025 compared to start of 2024
The property market appears to be in rude health and ready to tackle any concerns of a post-March slump after SDLT nil rate band increases for first time buyers after analysis of stock levels across the country identified an additional 50,000 homes on the market at the end of January 2025 compared with the same […]
Cheshire firm launches charitable foundation
Cheshire-based law firm, Bell Lamb & Joynson Solicitors has launched their eponymous charitable foundation, established to ‘create a lasting impact, ensuring that organisations within the community receive the support and resources that they need.’ The firm say they have been longstanding supporters of charity and the Bell Lamb & Joynson Foundation is an opportunity give […]
Top Local Land Charges teams in recognised ahead of 2025 Land Data Awards for Excellence
Local Land Charges (LLC) teams across the country have been recognised in 9 shortlists for the annual Land Data Local Land Charges Awards for Excellence, the only awards to recognise outstanding performance in the profession. The winning and highly commended local authorities will be announced on the 11th and 12th March at the virtual Local […]
Proportion of FTBs the highest on record in 2024 – Halifax
The number of people who bought their first home increased by 19% in 2024 against 2023 with 341,068 first time buyers (FTBs) accounting for over half (54%) of all property purchases with a mortgage; the highest proportion of FTBs against other buyers on record according to the Halifax. A sizeable proportion of FTBs sought their […]
CLC launch quarterly sentiment survey
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) has launched a new Quarterly Confidence Tracker (QCT) to track the views of the profession on the current state of home buying and selling. The survey will become a regular temperature check on the views and insight of those working in conveyancing. It will monitor the sentiment and expectations […]
Conveyancing prices static despite workload and financial pressures
Conveyancing fees have remained broadly static and in some cases have fallen despite the pressures of workload, SDLT cliff edges, and inflation according to a recent survey of 100 law firms. Average conveyancing fees for sale have slightly risen – by 0.21% – from £1,187.98 in early 2024 to £1,190.52 inclusive of VAT. Average residential […]
‘Ask Adam’ – your HM Land Registry Questions answered
In our latest ‘Ask Adam’ column, Customer service manager Adam Hookway answers readers’ questions on first registration and Lasting Powers of Attorney. Should you wish to submit your questions to Adam please either email press@todaysconveyancer.co.uk or leave a comment below and we’ll pass them on. All questions are anonymised. JV asks: Why has the Land […]
13% increase in support calls to mental health helpline
Mental health and wellbeing charity LawCare says it experienced a 13% increase in support requests last year compared to 2023, with 2024’s number its highest on record. Stress and anxiety (39%) were the most common reasons people contacted the charity, followed by career concerns (15%) and workplace bullying and harassment (10%). In it’s recently published […]
Juliet Whitworth joins Land Data Board
Land Data has announced the appointment of Juliet Whitworth to its Board, taking over from the retiring Claire Holloway. Whitworth, who is Head of Research and Information at the Local Government Association, brings new data and research experience to the board, alongside her strategy and senior leadership expertise say Land Data. Land Data was set […]
Bank of England cuts interest rates from 4.75% to 4.5%
The Bank of England has cut interest rates from 4.75% to 4.5%; despite inflation remaining at 2.5%, 0.5% above the current target of 2%. An ‘unexpected’ fall in the December inflation figures, from 2.6% to 2.5%, the first fall in three months, had prompted commentators to suggest an interest rate cut could come earlier than […]
Get Involved in National Conveyancing Week 2025
National Conveyancing Week 2025 (March 17th – 21st) is set to be the biggest yet with the backing of over 600 law firms and property professionals, say organisers. Law firms, estate agents, brokers, and industry stakeholders are invited to join thee third edition for a week of insight, education, and collaboration. The week is an […]
Number of homeowners paying mortgages into 70’s on the increase
A 156% increase in the number of home owners paying their mortgage into their 70’s ‘paints a striking picture of how financial pressures are reshaping homeownership’ says wealth management and financial services firm Quilter. Mortgage terms of thirty five years or more, combined with later life home ownership because of affordability pressures, means a significant […]
Reaction to Labour’s efforts to kickstart economic growth
There were few surprises in Rachel Reeves’ speech to business leaders at Siemens Healthineers in which the Chancellor outlined plans to ‘go further and faster to kickstart economic growth.’ Throughout the last week Labour have published a number of announcements outlining plans to introduce the Planning and Infrastructure Bill into Parliament in the Spring; reduce […]
Conveyancing Association Lender Survey launched – have your say
The Conveyancing Association (CA) has launched its 2025 Lender Survey in an effort to gather feedback from the profession on areas which might potentially cause issues between property market stakeholders. The focus of this years’ survey is looking at ways to improve collaboration between surveyors, valuers, valuation panels, valuation software providers, RICS, and lenders, and […]
PLA submit position on material information to FCA
The Property Lawyers Alliance has criticised proposals for the FCA to take responsibility for unfair commercial practices; outlined in the Consumer Protection Regulations (CPRs) and enshrined in the recent National Trading Standards Estate and letting Agency Team (NTSELAT) guidance. A consultation which finished yesterday (Wednesday 23rd January 2025) invited the thoughts of professionals on draft […]