Collapse in renter affordability and bill payment failures show weaknesses in our finances
The government released this data today, within its data covering economic activity and social change titled Economic activity and social change in the UK, real-time indicators – Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk). Renters spend 28.8 per cent of their income on the rent – up from 26.6 per cent a year earlier and 25 per cent […]
Diary of a High Street Conveyancer: 16th September
I was out with some conveyancing colleagues on Friday evening. It was an enjoyable evening, an Awards evening. Now I find the whole area of awards in the workplace fascinating, as it seems to be the case that every profession or area of work has some form of awards. It is important to celebrate success […]
QualitySolicitors – The next chapter
As one of the disruptors in the wake of the Legal Services Act 2007 QualitySolicitors (QS) was launched in 2009 with the ambition to help the high street fight back against the anticipated onslaught of major brands entering the legal market – so-called ‘Tesco Law.’ QS grew rapidly, with firms up and down the country […]
Renters’ Rights Bill latest – Section 21’s End and New Eviction Rules
The Renters’ Rights Bill had its first reading in Parliament yesterday. It included the abolition of Section 21, the no-fault eviction that was promised, but not enacted, by the previous administration. The bill is set to bring substantial changes to the property rental sector, with many landlords and key figures in the industry expressing concerns […]
Interview – Mark Evans, Deputy Vice President of the Law Society
In a wide ranging interview Deputy Vice President of the Law Society Mark Evans talks to Today’s Conveyancer podcast host David Opie about his experience of working in property law, and more recently his role as a Tutor at the University Of Law. In October Mark will transition from Deputy Vice President to the role […]
Diary of a High Street Conveyancer – What goes around comes around
It is at this time of year when I reflect on my career. It is the start of a new school year and that always feels more like the start of the year than January. I started my articles in September 1988. On my second day, my principal (now called a training partner) asked me […]
Making Change Part of the Furniture: Lessons from Paul O’Neill and Alcoa
Change is often perceived as a disruptive force, an unwelcome visitor that turns our routines and structures upside down. However, there are powerful examples from history that demonstrate how change, when integrated thoughtfully and systematically, can become as integral to an organization as the furniture within it. One of the most compelling cases is the […]
Diary of a High Street Conveyancer – Don’t Look Back in Anger
What a furore this weekend with the sale of Oasis tickets. I am not a big fan but a friend decided to get tickets and I felt that I lived through the pain of that experience. Initially, he had to register to get tickets but was not lucky enough to get into the pre-sale ballot. […]
The first Bank of England rate cut in four years
At the beginning of August, the Bank of England announced a cut in the base rate of 0.25% from 5.25% to 5% – the first rate cut in four years, although the decision was a narrow one in favour of the cut. So, how has the market responded? There is a report from Rightmove of […]
The client money debate: is the SRA on the right lines?
There’s no escaping the fact that conveyancing firms face a whole host of different issues when it comes to completing any transaction. From dealing with huge peaks and troughs in demand to combatting the risk of fraud and cybercrime, rekeying errors and ongoing client liaison, the challenges are numerous. Treatment of interest gained on client […]
Transforming Conveyancing Processes With Digital
The conveyancing industry has long been burdened by manual processes that lead to inefficiencies, time delays, and potential errors when performing tasks. As a former paralegal, I’ve experienced firsthand the frustrations of traditional conveyancing methods that are no longer fit for purpose. “Digital” is the way to go. Digital solutions offer the ability to transform […]
Diary of a High Street Conveyancer: Every day is a school day
Even having thirty five years’ experience, it is still the case that every day is a school day! There is no way we can know everything about conveyancing. And then we have the clients. Google is a wonderful thing if used correctly but many clients look up what an indemnity policy may be and end […]
Professional Indemnity Insurance – another tricky balance
Whether your firm employs 5, 50 or 500, PI insurance is likely to be, (*sigh*), another significant cost to the business and, (*sigh again*), yet another thing, that is absolutely vital to get right, not only in meeting your regulatory obligations but also to protect you and your clients if (*one more sigh*) things do […]
Extending a Mortgage by 10 Years Will Cost The Average First-time Buyer An Extra £110,640
Online mortgage broker Mojo Mortgages analysed their internal mortgage data and uncovered that the average first-time buyer in the UK is 33 years and 8 months old when they purchase their first home. With an average mortgage term of 30 years, this means that the average first-time buyer won’t pay off their mortgages until they’re 63 […]
A warning from abroad
The Home Information Pack was tried in England and abandoned in 2010, apart from requirement of an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). A survey has been a requirement in Scotland since 2008, including an EPC, and ‘Home Reports’ are now an integral part of the conveyancing process. Scottish Home Reports are all prepared by private contractors […]
Climate Change Reporting: a growing focus for commercial law firms?
Meeting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards is now a significant consideration for UK commercial property investors, meaning that compliance will become increasingly important for commercial property law firms in the UK. Unfortunately, an ongoing debate remains about the depth of climate change and the need for energy efficiency reporting. SearchFlow has spoken to some […]
The Importance of Conveyancing Association Membership in Today’s Climate
With the political winds shifting and the Labour Government looking poised to introduce reforms aimed at improving the home buying and selling process, the role of conveyancers could undergo yet more significant change. So now, more than ever, being a member of the Conveyancing Association (CA) is not just beneficial, it is essential. The Benefits of Membership The CA stands as the leading professional body representing […]
Diary of a High Street Conveyancer: Fall-through Friday
I am acting for a lovely young couple. They are buying their first home together and are very excited about it. This is the second house that they are trying to buy – the first house had a loft conversion with no consents; the usual issues had arisen around the Particulars of Sale indicating the […]
How can conveyancers boost their AML compliance?
The SRA has made no secret of its mission, partly brought on by pressure from the government, to crack down on firms who do not have adequate systems in place to prevent money laundering. Further reform to the SRA’s approach on financial penalties came into force in the middle of 2023. For all firms, where […]
Deputy PM Angela Rayner to unveil major planning reforms to build 1.5m new homes in England
The Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner is set to announce sweeping changes to the planning system in England, as part of the Government’s drive to build 1.5 million new homes. Fergus Charlton, a partner in law firm Michelmores’ planning practice, commented on what we know about the government’s plans so far: “Increasing […]