Access legal proclaim releases land registry version 2 to help conveyancers reduce delays and take ‘more control’ over transactions

To support conveyancers to improve property transaction efficiency, reduce delays and enhance visibility of key transaction data,  Access Legal, leading provider of software and services to the UK legal market, has released Version 2 of its enhanced Land Registry Business Gateway integration within its renowned Proclaim case management software.  As part of the updated integration, […]

PEXA receive FCA approval for TPMA launch

Digital property exchange platform PEXA have announced they have been formally approved by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to become an Authorised Payment Institution (API); which in time will enable it to act as a Third Party Managed Account (TPMA) provider to conveyancers for Sale & Purchase transactions. Since launching in the UK PEXA have […]

New tech partnership gives conveyancers full coverage of UK planning data

A screenshot of the platform from Serac and Martello next to an image of an online map

A new partnership between environmental search platform Martello and AI tech specialists Serac Group will give users access to planning data from all local authorities in the UK, including those typically difficult to access. The partnership will incorporate Serac’s IBex market data, which includes full coverage of UK planning data and ‘an extensive historical dataset’, […]

OPDA welcomes four new member organisations

Abstract image of holographic images with words related to data, including compliance, standards, policies and rules

The Open Property Data Association (OPDA) has welcomed four new members to its ranks: Novus Strategy & Consulting, Armalytix, Survey Shack and Openproperty. The organisation, which recently launched a quality mark for property professionals, says the new members are ‘all united in the common goal of transforming the homebuying process through the sharing of digital […]

Government trials AI tool to digitise planning records ‘in 40 seconds’

Abstract image of transparent digital planning files over an obscured background of a desk with a tablet, hardhat and a man working on a large sheet of paper

The government has begun testing an AI tool it says could convert planning documents into digital records in just 40 seconds, in what it says is ‘a vital step’ to helping councils meet the 1.5 million new homes target. Extract is a generative AI tool that will turn documents such as old maps and handwritten […]

Beyond AML: The real compliance risks hiding in your workflow

Firms often focus on AML as the headline risk, but compliance gaps go deeper. Here’s what’s really exposing your firm (and how to fix it). AML is just the surface AML checks often dominate compliance conversations and are making plenty of headlines, and for good reason. The regulatory scrutiny around money laundering is real, and […]

OPDA launches accreditation programme in drive for data consistency

A holographic image containing a series of electronic cards depicting customer data, floating above a laptop keyboard

The Open Property Data Association (OPDA) has launched an accreditation programme for members, in what it calls ‘a key milestone’ in its drive to achieve greater data transparency, consistency and accessibility across the UK’s property industry. Accreditation will demonstrate OPDA members’ commitment to improving how property data is shared and used, the independent trade body […]

X-Press Legal Services Tackles Rising Fraud with Upfront ID Checks

X-Press Legal Services has unveiled a powerful new safeguard within its Quotation Management Platform (QMP) in response to a record-breaking surge in UK identify fraud.  Placing digital ID verification right at the start of the conveyancing process, the firm aims to prevent fraudulent transactions before they begin. With over 421,000 fraud cases reported to the […]

Commercial real estate sector set to miss major decarbonisation target by a decade

Three skyscraper office buildings

Research by commercial real estate data and technology company Search Acumen suggests that it will take until at least 2040 for all rented commercial properties to meet the 2030 MEES standards (of EPC rating B or higher).   When the same research was undertaken last year, the industry was set to meet the target by 2038. […]

Transforming Conveyancing; a faster, smarter approach

For years, the UK property market has faced one persistent challenge: the slow and often frustrating conveyancing process. Lengthy delays, unclear communication, and high fall-through rates have made buying and selling property more stressful than it needs to be. The average UK property transaction takes around 16–20 weeks to complete, with many taking even longer […]

Discover how to build a tech-first law firm

The latest episode in Osprey Approach’s podcast series, Empowering Law Firm Leaders, features a conversation with tech entrepreneur Peter Ambrose, who shares how a tech-first approach can benefit modern law firms for the long term. In Episode 15, Amy Bruce, marketing director at Osprey Approach, speaks to Peter, founder and CEO of London based law […]

Digital property packs a good idea say consumers – Survey

Digital property packs are a good idea say four in five consumers but the gap between their understanding of property transactions, and the reality, is driving delays, a lack of transparency, and inefficiencies in the property market. A recent survey of home movers identified 82% of consumers believe Digital Property Packs are a good idea, […]

Is AI good enough for conveyancing?

As the SDLT deadline rapidly approaches and transaction volumes surge, conveyancing firms are caught in the eye of a perfect storm: firms must somehow maintain service quality while accelerating completions – all in an environment where mistakes carry ever-increasing costs. This pressure coincides with a technological inflection point. 2024 marked a watershed year for artificial […]

LMS Welcomes Saffron Building Society to LMS Panel Link

Today, LMS, the UK’s leading provider of conveyancing services, announces its partnership with Saffron Building Society, the latest lender to join LMS Panel Link. LMS Panel Link securely connects lenders with fully vetted law firms – firms that have met specific quality and compliance criteria – within a single platform. Saffron Building Society, which has […]

Search provider first to include integrated property logbooks

A holograph with the outline of a house on it appears above the keyboard of a laptop

Hampshire search provider HW Conveyancing Searches has teamed up with property logbook provider Chimni to launch what they are describing as an industry first integrated search and logbook offering.  The service enables conveyancers to order logbooks for home buying clients as part of the search ordering process. Results are then pre-loaded into the logbook to […]

The 5 biggest drawbacks of not using legal AI in your law firm

The legal industry is at a critical turning point. Digital transformation is no longer optional—it’s a necessity for staying competitive. According to a 2024 Trends Report1, 60% of law firms are planning to upgrade their digital systems, acknowledging that technology is essential for efficiency and profitability. Despite some hesitancy, the impact of AI in the […]