SearchFlow comments on HMRC’s Property Transaction Data
SearchFlow MD, Greg Bryce comments on the most recent transaction data, stating the increase witnessed was “phenomenal”.
The Postcode Planning Lottery
Location can not only affect the price of your house, but also whether you could be approved for planning permission. With house prices rapidly rising, many are choosing to purchase smaller houses with the intention to extend in the future. It is estimated that 90% of applications are granted nationally, however around 20,000 households will […]
When was the last time your firm increased your conveyancing fees?
Half of conveyancing firms have increased their fees over the past 6 months, a tmgroup survey has revealed. The survey, conducted throughout the first part of 2016 by leading property and data provider tmgroup, asked conveyancers: “When was the last time your firm increased your conveyancing fees?” It was revealed that 50% of firms surveyed […]
InfoTrack take advantage of Land Registry National Polygon Service to reduce delays in the conveyancing process
InfoTrack, the conveyancing service provider, are taking advantage of Land Registry National Polygon Service by placing title data into a Map Search tool. The feature allows conveyancers to quickly identify land by Title Number or postcode. InfoTrack say this is in direct response to their findings that delays are caused when land is not clearly […]
Couple lose £204,390 after fraudsters fake email from conveyancers
A couple has lost their future home and more than £200,000 to fraudsters after receiving an email claiming to offer new bank account details for their conveyancer. The Telegraph state that Andrew Doyle and Susan Paul had requested their conveyancers TCS send bank details to be sent by email rather than post. After several phone […]
SRA announce consultation on making it easier to switch regulators
The Solicitors Regulation Authority have announced a consultation on making it easier for firms to switch regulators. The announcement comes after the Society for Licensed Conveyancers wrote to the SRA asking them to review the situation and remove the need for professional indemnity insurance cover while the switch is taking place. The current Participating Insurers […]
Firms are taking on more work than they can handle says LFS Judge Richard Powell
Richard Powell, Director at Ryder & Dutton Chartered Surveyors and Estate Agents, says some firms are taking on more work than they’re able to cope with after the 2008 recession saw so many leave the profession. However Richard also says volumes in his region, the North West of England, are still around a third less […]
Housing supply jumped 54% in last month – NAEA
First time buyers are first in line to benefit when it comes to the increase in stamp duty on second homes according to the National Association of Estate Agents with the number of FTBs up 28% in March. Just short of 40% of estate agents expect the buy-to-let (BTL) stamp duty reforms to increase availability […]
Equity release sector grows 21% into 2016
The total value of equity release lending has grown another 21% in the first quarter of 2016 to £393.9 million – the highest quarter on record. As a whole the market was worth a huge £1.7 billion in 2015, up 24% on the year before. According to the Equity Release Council, this is the highest […]
Scam Alert Round up 25th April
Here are the latest scam alerts issued by the SRA Letters from “Allan Rodriguez” of “Berwin Leighton Paisner Law Partners” A member of the public has reported receiving a letter claiming to be from an “Allan Rodriguez” of “Berwin Leighton Paisner Law Partners” The SRA has also reported emails from a “Karen G” using the […]
The cost of undisclosed planning and development
The risks of undisclosed local planning and development in conveyancing transactions hit the headlines in 2015 and you should consider the risk of longer term effects these cases have on your business.
CLC respond to the SRA consultation on PII
Director of External Relations at the CLC, Stephen Ward, shares his thoughts on the latest consultation and welcomes the proposed changes.
Green Cities
The majority of the people in the world live in urban areas. The idea of city life has always been attractive for people. However, the consequences of growth – like traffic congestion, urban extension, waste, and environmental pollution – have negatively affected the quality of living. In Europe, we currently use 16 tonnes of material […]
Homeowner 2016 survey shows twice as many support new stamp duty surcharge as oppose, despite loud opposition from landlord groups
More than twice as many people (47%) support the 3% stamp duty surcharge than oppose it (18%). Policy seen to support first-time buyers and homes for living in Those in the South West, where there is a real shortage of affordable homes, are most in favour, with 6 in 10 (59%) supporting the change. Concerns […]
Home Secretary launches biggest reforms to money laundering regime in a decade
The Home Secretary has unveiled a new action plan to deal with money laundering and corruption. The plan includes reform to the fundamental reform of the suspicious activity reports regime and the creation of new powers such as Unexplained Wealth Orders requiring those suspected of money laundering to declare their wealth and the provision of […]
Pali walks away with TWO Awards at this year’s ESTAS, the biggest awards in the UK residential property industry!
Pali has been recognised for its outstanding customer service to its clients by the largest and longest running award scheme in the UK residential property industry.
Landmark Academy launches to help solicitors meet “continuing competence” targets under the new SRA framework
In advance of the SRA ‘Continuing Competence’ framework becoming mandatory on 1 November 2016, Landmark Information Group is officially launching today the ‘Landmark Academy’.
Diversity delivers
As one of the co-founders of LGBT networking and support group, Freehold, David Mann celebrates the value of a diverse workforce.
Would you like to grow your firm’s profitability? Legalex seminar from OneSearch Direct
OneSearch Direct, the largest local search data company in the UK, are delighted to be speaking and exhibiting at the upcoming Legalex conference, taking place Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th May at ExCeL London. OneSearch will be located at Stand L520 showcasing a variety of new initiatives, and offering all delegates the chance toenter a […]
eConveyancer owner ULS announce 31% increase in profits for 2015/16
The owner of comparison site eConveyancer ULS Technology has announced pre-tax profits of £3.8 million, up 31% on the last tax year. ULS who also own a multitude of other comparison sites and legal services including Legal Eye, CompareProbate.co.uk and convey4us.co.uk, announced revenues also increased by 28% in the tax year ending March 2016, exceeding […]
