Do you need a BREXIT strategy?

Whatever your views on BREXIT, the economy and housing market remain uncertain so it is vital as conveyancers, to have a marketing plan in place. I already know some successful conveyancers and law firms who are reviewing their future plans to take account of what may be a less busy housing market. The structure of […]
The leasehold golden goose

All conveyancers are aware of the rip-off faced by clients buying leasehold flats – the fees for the management pack, the fees for the deed of covenant, the fees for giving notice of the transfer of ownership etc. The Conveyancing Association has been in the forefront of campaigning to provide more protection for buyers and […]
Are you acting in your clients’ best interests?

We open up the next section of the SRA Risk Outlook 2016 – acting with independence and integrity.
PI before you buy

Don’t leave yourself without adequate cover during the excitement of a transaction
Conveyancing Data Services – August Reflections

CDS Sales Director, Richard Pickles shares his post-Brexit predictions and views on CON29 changes.
The impact of the unfair terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999 on flat leases

Roundlistic Ltd v Jones & Anor [2016] UKUT 325 (TCC) (07 July 2016)
Does your firm truly understand your clients’ needs?

The next in our Risk Outlook 2016 series looks into the importance of catering your service to manage needs of all clients.
No sides taken

Conveyancers on both side of a transaction found liable for loss
SearchFlow comments on the new BoE base rate

SearchFlow Director comments on Bank of England reduction of base rate to new record low of 0.25%
Time to enhance clients’ fraud protection

It’s quite probable that you and your colleagues know your phishing from your smishing from your vishing, that you’re well aware of the threats from malware and ransomware, that you’re au fait with the numerous ways in which fraudsters – online or otherwise – are targeting your business each and every day. That’s clearly a […]
What really matters for conveyancing clients?

The first in our SRA Risk Outlook series, looking at access to services and how clarity is the best policy.
Review of standards in the legal sector

Legal service mystery shoppers give their views on solicitors, with shocking results.
Committee Chair responds to Land Registry privatisation consultation

Tory MP and Chair of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee has expressed concerns over the potential privatisation of Land Registry. Whilst stating he is not generally opposed to privatisation as a whole, the MP for Harwich & North Essex, Bernard Jenkin states he believes Land Registry’s data should remain within the state. Writing […]
Understanding the digital enemy, their motivations and their targets

Cybercrime can manifest itself in many ways and there are different types of attackers that companies should be aware of: organised criminals, the malicious insider, hacktivists and national states. Matthew Martindale, KPMG, explains how cyber attackers use ransomware and DDoS attacks to get the information, intellectual property and corporate information that they are after. More […]
Number of transactions liable for SDLT rises 10 percent year on year

The number of property transactions liable for stamp duty in the second quarter of 2016 was 10% higher than in 2015. For those under £250,000 the number liable rose 8% with those between £250,000 and £500,000 rising 12%. For those over £500,000 was 18% higher than the second quarter of 2015. On a quarter to […]
Search Acumen comment on HMRC Stamp Duty Statistics

Search Acumen Director shares his thoughts on the latest HMRC Quarterly Stamp Duty Statistics
Brexit and the Call For Evidence

James Sherwood-Rogers, Chairman of COPSO discusses the implications of Brexit and privatisation of Land Registry on the housing market.
Conveyancing Data Services – July Reflections

CDS Sales Director, Richard Pickles shares his views on Brexit and implications for the property market.
Co-ownership – restricting the retainer

A recent case reminds us that one of the many issues that conveyancers have to advise on regularly is co-ownership, and more particularly the ownership arrangements to be made when the purchasers are not married or in a civil partnership. If the buyers are married etc then, should the marriage break down, the court has […]
Build relationships with referrers now to avoid potential downturn

As if the extraordinary events of early summer weren’t daunting enough – leaving the security of the European Union, the pound going into free fall, and a new prime minister in place before anyone could catch their breath – the reality of where to find new clients in a potential downturn looms large. How to […]