Landmark Group - OneSearch

In 2024, we witnessed steady but consistently lower transaction volumes. That begs the question: Why don’t lower volumes mean faster transactions?

Spoiler alert: aside from some marginal variances, property transaction timescales did not vastly alter in 2024, despite reduced transaction volumes. The question is: why?

Our parent company Landmark Information Group’s latest Property Transactions Report – entitled Why don’t lower volumes mean faster transactions? – seeks to answer that question (and more), delving into 17 years’ worth of data, with cross-market commentary from our experts.

Major talking points covered in the report include:

What are the persistent bottlenecks in the home-buying process?
Where have timelines improved?
How do property transaction timescales compare to consumer expectations?

In this report, we analyse the time taken between key transaction milestones and how they have changed over time, including:

Instruction to completion timescales for sales and purchases
Contract issued to buyer enquiries received timescales for sales
Instruction to mortgage offer received timescales for purchases

Access your copy of the report by visiting this link.

The property transaction process is a complex jigsaw puzzle involving multiple pieces – conveyancers, estate agents, lenders, surveyors, and, of course, the buyers and sellers themselves. Typically, these groups have often operated in silos, with communication barriers and information gaps hindering efficiency and causing frustration for everyone involved.

However, there’s a growing recognition that breaking down these silos and fostering a collaborative approach is crucial for streamlining transactions, reducing stress, and improving the overall experience for all involved. When asked what would make the biggest positive impact to their productivity and business success, 43% of responders to Landmark’s recent market research suggested that less chasing between stakeholders was top of their list of requests, as well as greater transactional visibility (29%).

So, what are the first steps? Understanding the issue at hand is the first jigsaw piece.

Silos: the unwavering obstacle in property transactions

There are several headaches that could potentially occur when all parties involved in a property transaction work in isolation from each other:

Communication breakdowns: Information gets lost in translation, leading to misunderstandings, delays, and errors. Sometimes key knowledge may only be known by one person, leaving transactions susceptible to annual leave, sickness, or departures.

Duplication of effort: Different parties may end up requesting the same information or performing the same tasks, wasting time and resources.

Lack of transparency: Buyers and sellers may end up left in the dark about the progress of their transaction, leading to stress and frustration.

Increased risk: Without a clear overview of the entire process, potential risks and issues may be missed or addressed too late.

Elizabeth Jarvis, Managing Director of OneSearch echoed this point in a recent industry roundtable discussion: “One of the biggest frustrations [in the industry] that is wasting time really is chasing one another through all different parts of the process.”

“I wonder why it has taken a really long time,” Elizabeth continued, “It feels like the thing that we’ve never really been able to solve is this transparency or ability to see what other people are doing, putting information in a central place where everyone can access it together instead of it being phone calls and emails.”

The recent survey highlighted these issues, with 53% of responders listing the length of time it takes to complete a transaction as the biggest frustration, with poor communication (31%) not far behind.

The Benefits of Collaboration

In contrast, a collaborative approach to property transactions offers numerous advantages:

Streamlined communication: A centralised platform or system allows for seamless information sharing between all parties, reducing delays and preventing miscommunications.

Increased efficiency: By working together, parties can avoid duplication of effort, optimise workflows, and accelerate the transaction process.

Improved transparency: Clients have a clear view of the progress of their transaction, reducing stress and building trust, without too much of a bombardment of communications.

Reduced risk: A collaborative approach allows for early identification and mitigation of potential risks, ensuring a smoother and more secure transaction.

Enhanced client satisfaction: A more efficient, transparent, and collaborative process leads to a better overall experience for buyers and sellers.

Technology at the heart of progress

Technology plays a crucial role in facilitating collaboration in property transactions. Digital platforms and tools can:

Create a central hub: Provide a single source of truth for all transaction-related information, accessible to all parties.

Automate tasks: Reduce manual effort and streamline workflows, freeing up time for more valuable activities. This includes checking of potentially incomplete documents, so that time isn’t wasted when this is discovered weeks after uploading.

Facilitate communication: Enable real-time communication and collaboration between parties, regardless of location.

Enhance transparency: Provide clients with online access to their transaction documents and progress updates.

Rob Steadman, Sales Director within Landmark Information Group, who also participated in the roundtable, noted that future offerings from Landmark were placed to be an ideal solution.

“There’s potentially new things that [Landmark] are bringing to the market, which is harnessing the power of AI. The fact that we touch across the whole property ecosystem so that gives us a really good insight into transactions”

“We’re excited really with the position that we’re in…almost to have a vault that’s very clear, very secure.”

The Role of Conveyancers in Driving Collaboration

Conveyancers are uniquely positioned to champion collaboration in property transactions. They act as a central point of contact for various stakeholders and have a vested interest in ensuring a smooth and efficient process, such as:

Advocate for technology adoption: Encourage the use of digital platforms and tools that facilitate collaboration.

Promote open communication: Establish clear communication channels and protocols with other parties.

Educate clients: Explain the benefits of a collaborative approach and encourage client participation.

Build strong relationships: Foster trust and mutual understanding with estate agents, lenders, and other stakeholders.

Breaking down silos and fostering collaboration is not just beneficial – it’s essential. By embracing technology, improving communication, and working together, all stakeholders can contribute to a more efficient, transparent, and client-centric process.

The individuals within the conveyancing sector have a key role to play in driving this change. By championing collaboration, conveyancers can enhance their own expertise, improve client satisfaction, and contribute to a more streamlined and efficient property market.

The conveyancing sector is facing a perfect storm of challenges as 2025 gets up to full speed. Regulatory burdens and economic uncertainty, to the rise of AI and automation, all whilst battling clients demands and expectations; it’s a complex industry landscape, perhaps more so than ever before.

However, amongst these challenges, a spirit of resilience and proactivity is emerging. Conveyancers are taking control of the controllables; embracing innovation and seeking solutions to streamline processes and improve efficiency.

This shift in mindset is evident in the recent market research from Landmark Information Group. Over half of responders (52%) are now taking matters into their own hands by assigning workloads more effectively, while 34% are digitising more processes. Proactively sourcing new business and investing in improved training are also high on responders 2025 priorities.

What Tech Can Do For You

Understanding and integrating new technology can be a daunting task for conveyancing firms, especially with the rapid pace of recent advancements.

“Everybody’s grappling with the fact that the technological capabilities [in conveyancing] are accelerating at such a pace,” admitted Rob Steadman, Sales Director within Landmark Information Group.

“If you deploy AI today, tomorrow there’s almost like the next better version of AI to change it.”

Liz Jarvis, Managing Director of OneSearch highlights the need for dedicated education and training: “There’s an assumption by a lot of people that there’s all this information out there about tech, prop tech, and AI technology, and how it can help your firm. But actually, I don’t think that that’s fully translated into how it can be adopted.

“I think conveyancers and others doing this role, they actually need a lot more information about what that can do [for them] specifically, rather than big noise of a release of this technology. What does it mean to me and to my firm? How long will it take me? How long and what cost will it take for this to embed in my business?

“There’s the worry, what if I invest this money now? Is it obsolete in 12 months’ time?”

The feels are reflected in the market research; 62% of respondents listed the knowledge gap within their team as an aspect which has challenged progress, as well as the slow pace of change towards a digital outlook (62%).

Collaboration and Communication: Bridging the Gaps

Another key theme for 2025 is the need for improved communication and collaboration among all stakeholders in the property transaction process. Participants highlighted the frustration caused by chasing information and the lack of transparency in the system.

Liz Jarvis continued along this point: “One of the biggest frustrations and things that is wasting time really is that chasing one another through all different parts of the process whether it would be a surveyor, an estate agent, the other side of the transaction, the purchaser or the vendor.

“I wonder why it’s taken a really long time. It feels like the thing we’ve never really been able to solve is this transparency or ability to see what other people are doing, putting information in a central place where everyone can access it together instead of it being phone calls and email.”

This desire for greater transparency and collaboration points to the need for solutions that can bring all stakeholders together in a central hub, providing a single source of truth and facilitating seamless information sharing.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Bold Leadership and Continued Innovation

The recent market research from Landmark paints a picture of a sector that is facing challenges head-on, embracing innovation, and actively seeking solutions to improve efficiency and client experience. Conveyancers are taking control, demanding more from technology providers, and prioritising collaboration and communication.

Moving forward, direction and continued innovation will be crucial. As Rob Steadman emphasised, “It’s going to come down to bold leadership across the sector to be clearly heard as to what their priorities are.”

By working together, conveyancers, technology providers, and other stakeholders can create a more efficient, transparent, and client-centric property transaction process. The challenges are real, but the opportunities are even greater.

The Landmark 2024 residential conveyancing survey tells a ‘tale of two halves’. One is about hope for economic stability as we enter autumn with listings and sales volumes rising, and interest rates falling. The other is about how conveyancers are still struggling with slow transaction times, insufficient resources, and general lack of transparency. For more details, be sure to download the market research results today.

Sustainability is not just a trend; it is a fundamental shift reshaping the property sector. As climate change concerns evolve and environmental regulations tighten, conveyancers, at the business end of property transactions, are pivotal in guiding clients through all the complexities.

But how, with increasing expectations from home buyers, can small law firms adopt sustainable practices to survive and thrive?

Following the release of Landmark’s reflections and predictions sustainability guide, OneSearch Managing Director, Liz Jarvis, sat down with Landmark’s Group Sustainability Director, Chris Loaring, to discuss sustainability in the property industry and how conveyancers can adapt practices to meet new challenges and expectations.

Sustainability is no longer optional

In 2024, Landmark research showed 93% of property professionals say their clients are concerned about the future threat of climate change. They are increasingly conscious of impacts, energy costs and future-proofing their investments and want to understand flood risks and energy efficiency and how environmental considerations directly affect their property’s value.

This will only increase as the new generation of first-time buyers – typically around 40% of the market – drive conversations, inspired by social media trends and environmentally conscious awareness, and ask for more education.

They will turn to their conveyancers to guide them through the environmental issues and complexities related to their home buying – “so conveyancers need to be ready to answer questions and address those concerns” explains Liz.

At OneSearch, we see businesses that support clients with confident sustainability advice “are creating a really great opportunity for themselves,” says Liz. By moving early, building a strong supply chain, network and partners, they “find mutual value very, very quickly,” agrees Chris.

Conveyancers’ key role

Conveyancers have a crucial role to play in helping clients navigate the environmental aspects of home buying. But it’s more than that for conveyancers, who, to meet new regulations and disclosure requirements, also need to understand how climate change might affect a property’s future value and usability, considering (and explaining to clients):

its resilience to climate change, including flood risks and extreme weather events
future costs of meeting energy efficiency standards
sustainable features that might affect property value
local planning policies, environmental protection, and development restrictions

Unfortunately, the complexities of climate change analysis and demands from clients make a hard job even harder for small conveyancing law firms. “It is understandable that fear and a lack of knowledge are holding back many conveyancing practices,” says Chris Loaring.

“We know conveyancers take on a risk when they accept the responsibility to advise clients on sustainability,” explains Liz. “So, as conveyancing partners, at OneSearch, we provide accurate, reliable information, minimising that risk. We endeavour to make it easy for people to interpret, digest, and understand the information we provide.”

Landmark: leading the way with practical tools and resources

Landmark, uniquely, is involved at all stages of a property transaction, so we use our knowledge to support conveyancers and help them succeed in this evolving landscape.

“We work with agents, upfront, before a property goes on the market,” explains Chris, “then with the lenders as they prepare a mortgage offer, and finally with the conveyancer as they work through the complexities of the property transaction. We see every link in that chain.”

And to support every link in that chain, Landmark has committed to supporting the property sector in its transition to a sustainable future, sharing valuable products and services to address the growing need for sustainability expertise.

“We made the call in 2020 to set sustainability and climate change reporting as a priority, making net zero important to us as a business and to take with us the industries we partner with on the journey,” explains Chris. “We were the first property-related data business to sign up to the pledge to net zero, for example.

“But we found none of our partners really knew where to start in our shared journey to net zero – and we wanted to help. So, we spent a lot of time and effort creating a really accessible, free-to-use starter guide: a six-page document with a tangible starting place.

“Other partners already had a commitment, a pathway, and maybe a progress plan, so we can review, advise, and show them where they can improve in their journey to net zero.”

Beyond face-to-face consultation and ongoing support, we have a suite of digital platforms and software solutions that help our partners track and manage environmental compliance, so they miss nothing during the transaction. These tools can automatically flag potential issues and suggest actions, keeping high-street firms ahead of the curve and thriving.

Building a sustainable firm

Embracing sustainability is more than just meeting legal obligations; you need to future-proof your conveyancing practice. The onus is on law firms to set and implement policy, establishing a process that works for your business.

Liz continued, “We find early adopters and forward-thinking firms that champion expertise in environmental aspects of property transactions can expand the type of work they do and increase their revenue.”

Taking advice from a trusted partner is a great first step; they can tailor an approach that fits your profile and process. This is so much more than box ticking with a single product – this is an opportunity to make business sustaining changes that will drive a prosperous future, financially as well as for the planet.

Incorporating sustainability considerations into your day-to-day business enhances firm reputation and client satisfaction. Younger buyers, in particular, appreciate conveyancers who can speak knowledgeably about sustainability issues and provide practical guidance on environmental considerations.

In 2025, there will be new guidance on how to manage climate change in conveyancing. The main part, part A, focuses on your firm’s own ESG and net zero promises, while a smaller part covers climate risks in property sales.

Nonetheless, it is the smaller part B that conveyancers are talking about, as it focuses on the specific risks of climate change on property transactions and conveyancers’ legal duties of warning and disclosing – and it brings with it a barrage of questions that small legal firms are struggling to contend with. Not least whether you, as a firm, should include climate checks in every sale, none, some, or let clients choose.

“It’s really important to provide full guidance for clients who want to consider climate change in property transactions – and it’s just as important to understand what you’re offering, what it means, and how you can integrate or embed it in your workflow,” says Chris.

Landmark’s Q4 2024 Residential Property Trends Report is now available.

This report features the latest data on residential property transactions, including listings, SSTC/SSTM figures, search orders and completions.

The data for Q4 ‘24 confirms that 2024 achieved a stable but depressed market that lagged behind pre-pandemic levels. However, the continued healthy listings supply illustrates the potential for the market to bounce back quickly should economic conditions improve.

The disparity between supply and demand continued in Q4 ‘24. Listings volumes were up 8% compared to Q4 2019 in England and Wales, while SSTC volumes were down 33%. Seller appetite remains, but affordability constraints are likely hampering progress through the pipeline.

Other key findings from Q4 ‘24 include:

Listing volumes in England and Wales were up 8% in Q4 ‘24 vs Q4 ‘19. In Scotland, listing volumes were up 5% in Q4 ‘24 vs Q4 ‘19.
In England and Wales, SSTC volumes in Q4 ‘24 were down 33% compared to Q4 ‘19 volumes. SSTM levels in Scotland were only down 5% in Q4 ‘24 vs Q4 ‘19.
Completions were down 37% in England and Wales in Q4 ‘24 vs Q4 ‘19. In Scotland, completions were down just 13% in Q4 ‘24 vs Q4 ‘19.

Download your copy of the Cross Market Activity edition for England, Wales and Scotland, which includes the latest residential property market data and insights for Q4 2024.

Landmark’s next webinar: Explore property market trends and key themes for 2025

Date: Thursday 23^rd January
Time: 11.30am
Duration: 45 minutes

Why Attend?

We’ll bring you the latest findings from Landmark’s property trends data, market research, interactive Q&As, and expert discussions to equip you with actionable strategies and tactics for achieving success in the sector.

The effects of climate change on legal practices are wide-ranging and constantly evolving – so we are too. Climate Change is now included as standard in EnviroSearch Residential and RiskView Residential

As climate change continues to reshape our environment, the property market cannot afford to overlook its long-term impact. For conveyancers and solicitors, the duty to provide advice on environmental risks has been well documented and is more crucial than ever. Our parent company Landmark’s latest enhancements make this easier by including a Climate Change module as standard in both EnviroSearch Residential and RiskView Residential. This powerful enhancement ensures that your environmental due diligence extends beyond today’s concerns and considers future risks for your clients.

Why choose Landmark’s Climate Change Report?

As leaders in legal products and environmental data for the UK property market, Landmark has a long-standing reputation for supporting best practice due diligence. Our innovative products enable thousands of successful transactions every day, and now, with the inclusion of climate change assessments, our reports are even more valuable.

Climate change is no longer a distant concern—it’s an issue that affects every industry and every part of our lives. Here are some key statistics to highlight the importance of measuring and addressing these risks during property transactions:

Flooding: Currently, 5.4 million properties in the UK are at risk of flooding. By 2050, the number of people significantly at risk is projected to increase by 61%.
Subsidence: By 2030, the British Geological Survey (BGS) expects climate change-related subsidence to affect more than 3% of properties, rising to over 10% by 2070.
Heat Stress: According to the Met Office, summer temperatures could be 1–6°C warmer and 60% drier by 2070, with an increased likelihood of heatwaves.

These statistics demonstrate why it’s critical to include climate change risk assessments as part of your due diligence process. Understanding how these risks may evolve will help your clients make more informed decisions about their property investments.

Key features and benefits of Landmark’s Climate Change Report

Landmark’s Climate Change module offers comprehensive analysis of both physical and transitional risks. Here’s how it benefits you and your clients:

Physical Risks: The report assesses four key areas where climate change could impact a property: flood risk, subsidence, heat stress, and coastal erosion. This enables you to advise your clients on the potential need for adaptations to manage future risks.
Transition Risk: The report includes key Energy Performance Certificate information, which is crucial for understanding how energy efficiency requirements may evolve over time. Transition risks, such as energy efficiency upgrades, are increasingly relevant as properties must meet stricter environmental standards. Landmark’s report provides information on the current EPC and outlines future requirements, including potential costs.
Report on Title Summary Page: Climate change is a complex area, and Landmark’s summary page simplifies the process. It presents a clear and concise overview of climate-related risks, making it easier for you to relay recommendations to your clients.
Expert queries and support: The complexity of climate change can lead to questions from both solicitors and their clients. Landmark ensures that your queries are answered accurately and promptly by industry professionals, in partnership with specialist academics.
Visual mapping and graphics: Landmark’s report includes mapping and graphics for flood risk, ground stability, and heat stress. These visual elements help to enhance the understanding of potential risks, providing clarity for you and your clients.
Authoritative data source: The data baseline for Landmark’s climate change assessments is derived from UKCP18, the most authoritative climate projection data available for the UK, developed by the Met Office. This ensures that your reports are based on the most trustworthy and up-to-date information.
Polygon search functionality: For finer granularity and precision in reporting, Landmark’s Climate Change module includes a polygon search functionality. This allows you to deliver highly detailed and accurate assessments for specific areas of concern.
Short, Medium, and Long-Term risk analysis: Landmark’s Climate Change module presents physical and transitional risks over the short, medium, and long term. This ensures that you and your clients have a clear understanding of the evolving risk landscape and can make well-informed decisions. The intuitive format of the report offers appropriate explanations with practical advice and recommendations, so you’re not just presented with data, but actionable insights.

Why it matters for conveyancers and solicitors

With climate change becoming an increasingly significant factor in the property market, conveyancers and solicitors must consider not only current risks but also those that could emerge in the future. Landmark’s Climate Change module offers the foresight needed to provide comprehensive advice to your clients, ensuring their investments are protected against the uncertainties of a changing climate.

The inclusion of this module in EnviroSearch Residential and RiskView Residential reports as standard means that climate change risk assessments are now a seamless part of your due diligence process. With Landmark’s support, you can help your clients navigate the complexities of climate change, ensuring they are fully informed and prepared for the future.

Take the next step

Landmark’s Climate Change module is designed to help you stay ahead in a rapidly changing world. Download our new product comparison matrix and toolkit to see how this forward-looking analysis can enhance your practice. By incorporating climate change risk assessments, you’re not just safeguarding transactions for today – you’re ensuring that your clients’ investments are resilient for the future.

Don’t let climate change risks go unaddressed in your property transactions. Equip yourself with the best tools available. Download the toolkit now!

The original version of this article was originally published by Landmark Information Group . For more information from the full range of Environmental Insights remastered products available from OneSearch, click here.