The UK is once again counting down to a looming Stamp Duty deadline, evoking memories of a post-lockdown 2022 Britain.
The market has been chock-a-block with activity from first time buyers for the past few months. Recent home mover activity figures are as high as 64% for the end of 2024 and again at the start of 2025, with buyers having one eye on cheaper mortgage deals, and another on the prospect of higher buying costs on the horizon.
However, the time it takes to complete isn’t improving; average turnaround times continue to creep up and up, meaning those taking their first daunting step onto the housing ladder may fall short of the deadline, especially if part of a larger chain of purchases.
This of course means talk of the dreaded F-word: Fall-throughs. Recent research suggests numbers are rising again in the UK, with an estimated 84,079 fall-throughs during the third quarter of 2024 – the highest quarterly total seen since they peaked in Q3 2022.
The solution
Within a few weeks, SDLT thresholds will revert to pre-relief levels, and many thousands will be faced with the reality of having to amend budgets, or worse, restart from square one, with one of the potential causes being the turnaround time for searches.
OneSearch Express offers the perfect solution, combining the speed of a no-search indemnity policy – created in partnership with Lloyd & White Community Broking Ltd – with the crucial insights of a comprehensive property data report, allowing conveyancers to transact typically within just 24 hours.
And this year OneSearch Express celebrates its tenth birthday, with around 25,000 orders having been placed since 2015.
Liz Jarvis, Managing Director at OneSearch, said: “We know all too well how frustrating it is when Local Authority searches drag on. This creates a huge backlog, especially when caseloads are already bursting at the seams, and it puts immense stress on clients.
“That’s why we designed OneSearch Express – to take some of that pressure off. It gets things moving quickly and efficiently, so homebuyers can settle into their new place sooner, and solicitors can get on with their next case.
“To be here ten years later, talking about how it is still a vital asset for conveyancers, is a fantastic achievement”
What is OneSearch Express?
OneSearch Express provides cover in place of the following searches, which can often cause hold-ups in the conveyancing process:
A full Chancel Repair Liability search
A Search of the Local Land Charges Register form LLC1
A Search of CON29R and/or CON29O records
A Search of Water and Drainage records on CON29DW
A search of the Coal Authority’s records on form CON29M
An environmental risk assessment (excludes Commercial Express)
This allows conveyancers to proceed quickly, even when time is of the essence.
John Margett, Client Relationship Manager at OneSearch, added: “OneSearch Express has been so well received over the past ten years, turning many potential fall-throughs into completions from our clients.
“The key that makes Express unique is our data, something that distinguishes us from other search companies. OneSearch are the only company to possess an extensive database of real-time Local Enquiries information, which we have been collecting over the course of 30-plus years.
OneSearch Express is available for a selection of different sale types, including existing residential, commercial, new build, and more.
John continued: “We offer Express in instances where it makes the most sense, such as remortgages, where in many instances very little has changed since the first Local Search was carried out. House sales for new builds can be considered as well, as the typical exchange is required within 28 days.”
The speed of No-Search Insurance, the power of property data
OneSearch Express
For solicitors navigating complex caseloads and demanding clients, delays can be incredibly costly – not just in terms of time, but also in terms of stress and client satisfaction. With a proven track record and a commitment to innovation, OneSearch Express offers a solution designed to alleviate pressure, reduce turnaround times, and ultimately, make the entire process smoother for everyone involved.
For product cards, sample reports, or to include OneSearch Express in your next order, click below.
