Conveyancing is evolving faster than ever. Our latest residential market research, Paving the way for smarter residential conveyancing in 2026, reveals how technology is transforming your day-to-day work, helping you deliver smarter, faster, and more certain transactions. 

Here’s a snapshot of what’s inside: 

• 86% of conveyancers agree digitisation and automation have improved customer experience.
• 78% now use AI to assist fee earners, double last year’s figure.
• 73% believe earlier data insights provide greater certainty for buyers.

This market research report provides key insights to help you stay competitive, boost efficiency, and meet client needs. 

Download your copy today and discover how to leverage technology and collaboration for success in 2026. 

Local Authority Searches are a cornerstone of every property transaction, but not all searches deliver the same level of clarity, consistency, and reliability. Variations in council processes can lead to delays and confusion – something no conveyancer wants when deadlines are looming.

That’s why thousands of professionals across the UK trust OneSearch Prime, our flagship Regulated Local Authority Search. Here’s why OneSearch Prime stands out and how it helps you work smarter.

In a profession where time is money and accuracy is everything, having a dependable search product isn’t just a convenience – it’s a necessity. OneSearch Prime helps you work smarter, reduce risk, and deliver a better experience for your clients.

Join the growing number of conveyancers who are choosing smarter searches. Register with OneSearch today and start ordering OneSearch Prime with confidence.

In the conveyancing world, your business is only as strong as the support behind it. While technology and data are crucial, a true partnership has people at its foundation. Today, on the fourth day of National Customer Service Week, we’re celebrating the heartbeat of our business: the OneSearch customer service team.

They’re not just a helpdesk; they are the team who bring our brand to life, the friendly voices you hear on the phone, and the forensic problem-solvers who work tirelessly to ensure every detail of your enquiry is answered thoroughly. In this blog, we’re putting the spotlight on them; not quite the daunting Mastermind chair, more like a well-deserved moment in the sun.

We asked our team some questions to get a glimpse into what drives them, how they work together, and, essentially… what makes them tick.

What’s a recent or memorable problem a client brought to you that you were pleased to solve?

June: “I had a client who wanted their search returned a week sooner due to the buyer expecting her baby any day, and they wanted to be in their new home urgently. To try and obtain the results sooner, it took a little bit of persuading the council and grovelling… Luck was on our side, and I was able to obtain the results and have the search go out two days later. Happy client and happy buyer.”

Stuart: “An AML order that a client’s customer failed to follow the instructions for submitting their data to be checked. There were three things that they failed to do, including using blurred photos and not looking at the camera. I advised the process after liaising with the supplier, and managed to get the first AML refunded via the supplier.“

Carol: “I had one of our client’s clients email me with a complaint… I investigated this complaint thoroughly… The response I received back was lovely, they said they were delighted to have the issues resolved within 48hrs, and they could proceed with their purchase.”

Next, we asked them to define their personal approach to service.

What does “first-class customer service” mean to you personally?

Carol: “To me, first-class customer service means taking ownership and responsibility, truly listening, and showing empathy and respect in every interaction. It’s about treating others as you would like to be treated yourself.”

Elaine: “Being able to assure a client I will own the issue until it is resolved. I have built up a real trust in me from clients that only first-class customer service can achieve.”

June: “Listening to the client and showing concern if they do have an issue, reassuring them I will help to resolve the issue. Letting them know I will take ownership till resolved. Advise on what my next steps will be and then providing regular updates. Building a rapport with clients is a must.”

Now we’ll get a sense of what makes the team feel supported in their role.

How does OneSearch support your well-being or help you feel valued in your role?

Carol: “I have required personal and work support on a few occasions throughout my 21 years at OneSearch and I have never been let down or made to feel unsupported… 100% of the time I have been supported which is amazing.“

June: “I can guarantee I will be asked how I am by my manager the minute she sees me and will always notice If I am not myself and check how I am… My manager always tells me I am a valued member of the team, which is amazing to hear.“

Finally, we wanted to know what makes this level of service possible.

What’s your favourite thing about being a part of the OneSearch customer service team?

June: “The tea service is amazing! Always feel valued and taken care of, feel like part of a wee family with great support… Although the singing can be a bit dodgy at times!”

Carol: “Oh, so many things but first and foremost the people and definitely the banter – it makes for a great day if you have some fabulous banter.”

Stuart: “The people. I work with lovely people, who I know have my back, and I have theirs.”

When they aren’t working their conveyancing magic, the team is busy with a wide variety of personal interests. These passions are what make the team so unique, and so great at what they do.

What’s something you love to do outside of work?

Stuart: “My hobbies, including producing music and watching YouTube documentaries. I’m also currently watching I’m watching Foundation”

Elaine: “Too many things to mention! Everything from plastering to gardening.”

Carol: “I go to the gym a lot but maybe not always to work out, but a lot of the time it’s for a coffee, a bun and a natter with friends! I do like to visit the odd castle and stately home.”

June: “Spending time with my kids and family and my wee dog Shyla. I am currently also watching the second series of “Lie to Me” with Tim Roth and Kelli Williams on Prime Video.”

And finally, if they could become an expert in anything instantly?

Stuart: “Astrophysics – I love anything space related.”

Carol: “Archaeology.”

June: “I would love to be an expert Astronomer as find the night sky fascinating.”

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It’s clear that our customer service team’s commitment goes far beyond a job description; their passion for problem-solving, their dedication to one another, and their genuine drive to help you succeed are what make them the true heart of our company.

The integrity of our service reflects the integrity of our people. We believe that this team’s stability, expertise, and collaborative spirit are the key to building the kind of trusted partnership your firm deserves.

So, the next time you connect with us, you can be confident that you’re not just getting a service – you’re getting the best of our team.

We are delighted with the response to OneSearch AML since we unveiled the product last summer; we hope you’ve had the opportunity to explore yourselves into the solutions it can provide your firm when it comes to managing risk and protecting your firm.

We understand the world of Anti Money Laundering can seem overwhelming at times: new regulations, confusing jargon and acronyms… and that’s not forgetting keeping on top of ever-evolving fraud strategies. On top of all that, you may often find yourself explaining this to your clients as well.

To help you conquer compliance, and master your firms AML checks in 2025, we’re offering a downloadable guide packed with practical advice and best practices for conveyancers.

In our guide, you’ll learn about:

• Understanding your KYC/AML Obligations in 2025 
• A comparison of Manual vs Digital AML Checks 
• A detailed explanation about the Safe Harbour Standard
• A guide to the most common AML phrases and what they actually mean 
  
  And also:
  
• A full breakdown on the features and benefits of OneSearch AML, the most comprehensive anti-money laundering solution on the market. 

“Safe Harbour.” We hear this term thrown around in conveyancing teams a lot, but what does it really mean? And is it something you have to do?

Over the years, property fraud has become quite the headache for conveyancers. Fraudsters have been selling properties they don’t own, running off with the cash, and leaving buyers high and dry. The Solicitors Regulation Authority even flagged vendor fraud as an emerging risk in its latest AML Sectoral Risk Assessment.

Naturally, after case law like Dreamvar, lawyers are pretty nervous about getting it wrong. It’s the case that changed the liabilities and responsibilities of lawyers and conveyancers when dealing with residential property transactions. For those who aren’t familiar with the specifics of the case of Dreamvar, here’s what happened…

A fraudster managed to sell a London property worth around £1 million by impersonating the real seller. After the sale, the fraudster (and the money) disappeared into thin air. Fortunately, the Land Registry caught the fraud when the transfer documents came through, so the title never changed hands.

But poor Dreamvar was left with no property and no cash, so they took legal action against their solicitors, alleging negligence and breach of trust. They also sued the fraudster’s solicitor for failing to spot the fraud. Initially, only Dreamvar’s solicitor was found liable, which seemed harsh to many, as the fraudster’s solicitor hadn’t done enough to verify their client’s identity under Money Laundering Regulations (MLR).

The case eventually made its way to the Court of Appeal. There, the judge determined that the solicitors representing the fraudulent property seller should also shoulder some responsibility alongside those representing the deceived buyer for any incurred losses.

Following this, the Law Society updated its Conveyancing Protocol. Now, if you’re acting for the seller (especially if you’re a Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) firm), you need to:

• request details of the bank account for the sale proceeds and
• obtain evidence that the account belongs to the seller, showing that they have had and been using the account for at least 12 months and
• confirm proceeds will only go to that account

This is a great way to ensure the purchase funds are going to the correct person! But let’s face it, fraudsters are still out there trying their luck. Take the case of a Vicar in 2021, who came home to find his house gutted and the locks changed. Someone had stolen his identity and sold his home – and this time, the Land Registry approved the title transfer. It took him two years of legal battles to get his house back!

Safe Harbour protects conveyancers who might unknowingly get caught up in a fraudulent transfer, as the Land Registry won’t hold them liable. The aim is that, by applying the Safe Harbour standard properly, you’ll spot a fraudulent seller right from the start.

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This is an excerpt of a guest article written by Kayleigh Smale, of Smale Compliance. To continue reading on the Safe Harbour Standard and its potential implications for your business, you can download our detailed guide: Mastering AML compliance in 2025, which is additionally packed with in-depth analysis and actionable information designed to help you navigate the world of Anti-Money Laundering effectively.