Climate Change - OneSearch

Climate change is no longer a distant threat for the UK property sector, it’s a present-day reality, influencing everything from buyer behaviour to professional advice.

Landmark’s latest cross-market research draws on the perspectives of 150 senior property professionals, including 50 estate agents, 50 residential conveyancers, and 50 mortgage lenders, to reveal how the industry is adapting to this new landscape, where climate risk is now a central part of the conversation.

Climate risk moves to the forefront

Over the past year, concern about climate change has become nearly universal among property buyers and professionals. The sector is seeing this shift first-hand. The days when climate risk was a niche topic are over; it’s now a mainstream consideration that can make or break a transaction.

This heightened awareness is having tangible effects. Conveyancers report that buyers are increasingly willing to walk away from deals if climate risk reports raise red flags. The financial implications are significant, with concerns about mortgage approvals and insurance coverage now tied directly to climate-related findings.

What’s driving this change?

The research points to a shift from general uncertainty about climate change to more practical, property-specific concerns. Energy performance remains a top priority, but more regular heatwaves have pushed heat stress up the agenda. Buyers and professionals alike are asking tougher questions about how homes will cope with rising temperatures, and what features, such as, ventilation, insulation, and EV charging points will help future-proof their investments.

Flooding, once the dominant concern, has slipped down the list, replaced by worries about heat, subsidence, and even coastal erosion. This suggests a more nuanced understanding of climate risk, with buyers looking for homes that are resilient to a wider range of environmental challenges.

Professional advice is evolving

As climate events become more frequent and severe, property professionals are adapting their approach. The majority now recommend further due diligence, such as, climate risk reports earlier in the buying process. There’s also a growing trend towards upfront disclosure, with estate agents increasingly confident in discussing climate risks with clients from the outset.

However, the question of who should take responsibility for advising on climate risk remains open. While environmental specialists are still seen as key, more estate agents and conveyancers are stepping up, supported by new best practice guidelines and internal policies. The Law Society’s recent practice note has provided some clarity, but many professionals are still navigating how to put this guidance into practice.

Barriers and opportunities

Despite this progress, the sector faces real challenges. Uncertainty around regulation and a lack of clear client demand are slowing the pace of change. Data gaps, limited training, and the cost of new tools are also barriers that need to be addressed. Yet, there are signs of optimism: more firms are developing and publishing net zero strategies, and consumer demand for sustainable features is rising fast.

The road ahead

Landmark’s latest research makes it clear that the property sector is at a turning point. Climate risk is now a core part of property decisions, and the industry is responding with greater transparency, better advice, and a stronger focus on resilience. The journey isn’t over, there’s still work to do to embed best practice, clarify responsibilities, and support buyers in making informed, future-ready choices.

But as extreme weather becomes the new normal, one thing is certain: the property sector can’t afford to stand still. Those who adapt will be best placed to thrive in a climate-conscious market.

Download the full report to explore the data, insights, and recommendations shaping the future of UK property.

Climate change is now having a systemic effect on the property market. Landmark’s latest market research report – Climate change in the property sector: A cross-market update, seeks to understand what progress is being made on climate change related resilience and what notable barriers remain.

For this report, Landmark interviewed 150 senior property professionals: estate agents, residential conveyancers and mortgage lenders; all with decades’ worth of experience. In a muted market, beset by other pressures, conveyancers report buyers are increasingly walking away from risky transactions, suggesting a growing consumer sensitivity and more serious financial implications attached to climate data.

Some of the key findings of our 2025 research include:

99% of property professionals say their clients are concerned to some degree with the evolving / future potential threat of climate change when buying a property.
93% of property professionals say that recent climate events have impacted the way they advise clients to think about climate related risks and how they could affect their home.
On average, property professionals are advising 52% of their clients on potential climate change risks to their property (up from 50% in 2024).
Nearly three quarters (74%) of the conveyancers we spoke to now have a net zero strategy.

Download the report by clicking below.

On the latest episode of Landmark Talks Property, we sat down with Landmark’s Group Sustainability Director, Chris Loaring, and OneSearch Managing Director, Liz Jarvis, to discuss sustainability in conveyancing.

This conversation explores the critical role of sustainability in the real estate sector, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that arise from climate change reports and regulatory requirements. Chris Loaring discusses the importance of education, the need for support in navigating complex regulations, and the benefits for firms that adopt sustainable practices early. The dialogue emphasizes the evolving landscape of consumer expectations and the necessity for firms to engage with sustainability initiatives proactively.

To read the blog which accompanies this audio podcast, please click here.

To listen to more Landmark Talks Property episodes on Spotify, click here.

To find out more on Landmark’s sustainability offering, and for the opinions from experts across the property industry including Latham & Watkins, Taylor Wimpey, Savills, please visit ⁠sustainability.landmark.co.uk⁠

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.

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.

Introducing the ‘coal revolution’: the new way of searching for coal risk

In a dynamic and evolving property market, there are still demands for precision and efficiency. That’s why our parent company Landmark is proud to introduce one of the most significant advancements in their new product line-up—our redefined approach to coal risk assessments.

Landmark have transformed the way coal mining-related risks are evaluated, providing conveyancers and solicitors with more accurate information and reducing unnecessary delays and search costs in the property transaction process

How does it work?

The ‘coal revolution’ in Landmark’s Homecheck Residential, EnviroSearch Residential, and RiskView Residential products provide a unique and streamlined approach to coal risk assessments. Here’s how it works across our product range:

Homecheck Residential and EnviroSearch Residential:
- These reports now come with a Certification that, in cases of ‘No’ or ‘Low’ coal mining related risk, a Coal report is not required. Therefore, if a property is located within a coal mining-affected area, but no relevant record of mining activity is present, the report will confirm that there is no need to order a coal report and certify the accuracy of this statement. We can do this as the certification is based upon a unique dataset available only to us.
- This Certification, is supported by £1 million indemnity insurance, providing assurance and coverage against loss through inaccuracy. This is a market-first feature, ensuring your clients are protected while reducing the need for additional searches.
- This innovation significantly reduces the occurrence of false positives, which means fewer unnecessary alerts and a reduction in the number of occasions when a follow-on Coal report is required.
- If further action is needed based on our alert, you have the option to seamlessly order a Landmark Coal Residential or Landmark Coal CON29M report for more in-depth information.
RiskView Residential:
- You also benefit from the same alert in RiskView Residential. However, this product takes it a step further. When a Coal report is required, it’s automatically included in the report, saving you the time, money and effort of ordering it separately.
- This integration provides a smoother and more efficient process, ensuring you receive all the necessary information in one comprehensive report.

Benefits of the ‘coal revolution’

The improvements in our coal risk assessments offer a range of benefits designed to streamline the conveyancing process and provide peace of mind for both conveyancers and their clients:

Certified as No Search Required supported by Indemnity: Alongside and integral to the Coal Screening Data Layer is Landmark’s certification as to the result’s accuracy, where ‘No’ or ‘Low’ risk is identified. In the unlikely event that a claim should be made, Landmark’s certification is backed by a £1M indemnity policy.
Refined Alerts: Our new approach ensures that further action flags are now the most refined in the industry. This precision helps avoid unnecessary delays and focuses on the risks that truly require attention.
Symbiosis between Alerts and Full Reports: The seamless connection between our alert system and full coal mining reports is another unique selling point. Whether you need just the alert or the full CON29M, the transition is smooth, saving time, effort and unnecessary costs.
Efficiency and Cost Savings: By reducing false positives and automatically including necessary coal reports where applicable, our new coal risk assessment system helps make conveyancing more efficient, ultimately saving both time and money. This also empowers fix rate conveyancing.

A new era for coal risk assessments

With Landmark’s coal revolution, you can expect faster, more accurate, and more comprehensive coal risk assessments. The symbiosis between alert systems and full reports, combined with the added security of our Certified No Search Required, flag’s accuracy being supported by £1 million indemnity, sets a new industry standard for coal mining risk assessments.

This all means fewer delays, fewer unnecessary searches, and a more streamlined conveyancing process for you and your clients.

Take the next steps

Ready to experience the Coal Revolution for yourself? Download the Product Comparison Matrix and Toolkit today to see how Landmark’s new residential product portfolio can transform your environmental searches and make your conveyancing process more efficient.