The days leading up to a major legislative change in the property sector are always intense, but the looming Stamp Duty changes set to take effect on 1st April have created a flurry of activity across the industry. As a property lawyer, I have seen first-hand the pressures this has placed on clients and conveyancers alike.
The daily routine: a balancing act
A typical day right now is all about prioritisation. The workload has significantly increased as clients rush to complete transactions before the deadline. Managing client expectations, progressing legal work efficiently, and maintaining high levels of client care are all crucial. The support in place at ONP has been central to meeting the challenge head on.
Fortunately, firms across the sector understand the importance of collaboration, and we’ve seen excellent cooperation between different parties. The shared goal is clear—helping clients complete before the deadline while ensuring all legal checks are properly conducted.
Managing client expectations
Understandably, clients nearing completion are feeling the pressure. Many who have just entered the process may not have been fully aware of the changes, while those close to exchange are anxious to avoid additional costs. My role is to remain empathetic, provide honest and timely updates, and ensure clients know exactly what is required from them.
Strong technology and management structures are invaluable support in helping to handle these pressures. Automated updates, streamlined workflows, and clear internal processes put conveyancer in a strong position to guide clients through this period efficiently. ONP’s structured approach and proactive communication strategy has made managing these industry-wide adaptations more effective.
Industry adaptations and challenges
The industry has responded proactively, ensuring clients are informed at every touchpoint. From property reports to email footers, standard wording in initial contact, and direct phone calls, we are making every effort to ensure that clients are fully aware of the potential financial implications of missing the deadline. Even completion letters now outline the impact of the change, reinforcing the importance of timely action.
Of course, working under a tight deadline presents challenges. There could be the temptation in the industry to push transactions through faster, but as responsible professionals, we must uphold rigorous legal checks. Shortcuts now could cause significant issues later. While working at pace, we must never compromise on the quality or legality of our work. ONP’s support throughout this period has been crucial in maintaining this balance, ensuring that our team can operate with confidence and efficiency.
Looking ahead
Once the new Stamp Duty rates take effect, I expect a brief continuation of high activity—especially for those who narrowly missed the deadline. While purchase prices may fluctuate, the property market is buoyant and resilient and will likely stabilise quickly. With changes in government policy on homebuilding and lending, I remain hopeful for a fairer, more accessible market, particularly for first-time buyers.
What this situation highlights most clearly is the importance of government consultation with businesses before implementing such major changes. The rush and strain placed on firms and clients could have been mitigated with earlier dialogue and better planning. This process has reinforced the need for policymakers to engage directly with industry professionals to ensure a practical and sustainable approach.
For now, my focus remains on delivering the best possible service to my clients, ensuring transactions are completed efficiently and correctly in the final days before the deadline. While this period has been challenging, strong systems and preparation have allowed us to manage the transition effectively.
Harry Thompson is a property lawyer at ONP
