Significant digital change and improvement is happening and will gather momentum throughout 2026, according to a number of speakers at this year’s Conveyancing Association Annual Conference, where the representative body celebrated its 25th anniversary.
With the theme of Conveyancing Under the Spotlight, participants heard analysis, viewpoints and input from property industry figures, consumers and digital providers.
The CA’s non-executive chair Nicky Heathcote (pictured) opened the conference, setting out the association’s lobbying activities on behalf of members.
Ongoing work to challenge proposals to charge conveyancers for access to the Lenders’ Handbook, concerns around requirements to register as tax advisers in relation to SDLT submissions, and opposition to suggestions that interest earned on client accounts could be used to fund the justice system were all highlighted.
Heathcote also reflected on the recent collapse of PM Law and the way in which CA members – legal, affiliate and stakeholder – worked together to support displaced staff and protect affected clients. The response, she noted, was a clear example of the strength and purpose of the CA community.
Conference chair Eddie Goldsmith reflected on the sector’s progress over the past two decades, and how digital solutions are now in a position to help deliver a more transparent and speedier home buying and selling process.
David Smith, economics editor at The Sunday Times, examined the wider macro-economic and property picture, while Rob Gurney and the team at Landmark reviewed the trends currently shaping the residential property market.
Panel sessions discussed the opportunities and pressures within today’s conveyancing market, including government consultations on home buying and selling reform and the move towards upfront information, both of which are likely to result in legislative change for the sector.
There was also a detailed analysis of how AI is influencing the purchase and sales process, alongside wider digital developments expected to bring significant operational change for conveyancing firms and consumers alike.
A charity dinner following the conference raised over £8,000 for Parkinsons UK.
