NLIS channel license awarded to Wessex Searches
Wessex Searches has become the latest conveyancing search information provider to be awarded a channel license for the National Land Information Service (NLIS). Wessex Searches becomes the fifth channel license, joining Dye & Durham, Searchflow, X-Press Legal Services and On Point Data; the license will go live in Summer 2025. Wessex Searches is the official […]
International Women’s Day: Progress on partner gender parity but still some way to go
This International Women’s Day (8th March 2025), the Law Society of England and Wales encourages the profession to continue supporting women’s progress to senior levels. In 2023, more new female solicitors (832) attained partner equivalent positions compared to their male counterparts (522). Despite advancements, female solicitors still represent only 34% of partners or partner equivalents, […]
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 […]