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!

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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:

1. 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.
     
2. 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.

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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.

Environmental risks play a crucial role in property transactions, and as conveyancers and solicitors, conducting thorough environmental searches is key to safeguarding your clients’ interests. 

Our parent company Landmark has long been the trusted provider of comprehensive environmental search reports. Now, with their enhanced residential product portfolio, we cover all environmental risks included in every Landmark residential report—allowing you to choose the report best suited to you, from basic identification to full expert analysis.

In addition to providing a more flexible and thorough assessment, we’re excited to announce two major improvements: the inclusion of climate change modules in the Landmark’s EnviroSearch and RiskView reports, plus an innovative approach to coal risk assessment. These advancements ensure that you’re equipped to handle today’s environmental challenges more effectively than ever.

The key environmental risks every conveyancer should consider:

• Contaminated Land
• Flood
• Coal Mining
• Climate Change
• Planning
• Ground Stability
• Radon
• Energy & Infrastructure
• Planning Constraints

These risks can significantly impact property value, insurability and enjoyment of living in, what might be, your dream home. Landmark’s enhanced portfolio provides reports tailored to different levels of risk assessment, giving conveyancers the flexibility to choose the depth of analysis that best fits their needs.

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

One of the most significant improvements in the new product line-up is the reimagined approach to coal risk assessments. With Landmark’s coal revolution, you can expect faster, more accurate and more comprehensive coal risk assessments. The symbiosis between alert and full assessments in the reports, combined with the added security of an equivalent to a No Search Required Certificate with £1 million indemnity, sets a new industry standard for coal mining risk assessments.

Climate Change: now included in EnviroSearch and RiskView

Landmark’s enhanced residential product portfolio: A closer look

Landmark’s enhanced suite of products is designed to meet the varied needs of conveyancers, from basic checks to detailed assessments. The three key products in this portfolio are:

• Homecheck Residential: This report provides an initial assessment across all key risks, identifying potential issues that may require further investigation. It offers an overview that helps you determine if more in-depth analysis is necessary and whether a supplementary report is needed.
• EnviroSearch Residential: This report offers a more detailed assessment, including the newly added climate change module. It provides a breakdown of risks and a full evaluation of each environmental peril, perfect for when more certainty is needed.
• RiskView Residential: The most comprehensive product, RiskView Residential, includes full data assessments and expert analysis through Landmark’s environmental consultants. With the addition of the climate change module, this product delivers the highest level of accuracy and foresight, ensuring that all risks are meticulously evaluated.

Using Flood Risk as an example: the same site, different experience

To demonstrate how these products differ in practice, let’s look at a typical scenario involving flood risk assessment:

Scenario: A Homebuyer has had their offer accepted and is eagerly waiting to arrange their move in date. Before this is possible, their conveyancer is reviewing their Environmental Search to see if there are any concerns to flag to the Homebuyer.

• Homecheck Residential: The report identifies that the property is in a flood-prone area, prompting further investigation. The assessment highlights potential risks but does not provide detailed specifics.

Report outcome – Identified

• EnviroSearch Residential: This report offers a full flood assessment, breaking down the risk by specific perils such as River, Coastal, Surface Water, and Groundwater. In this case, a high risk for surface water flooding is identified, and recommendations are provided, including whether the site is insurable under standard terms. This product also includes the climate change module, offering insights into how future environmental changes might impact the property from flooding.

Report Outcome – Further Action

• RiskView Residential: The RiskView report identifies the high risk of surface water flooding and refers the case to Landmark’s environmental consultants for expert evaluation. The consultants determine that the high-risk area is limited to an adjacent road, allowing them to downgrade the overall flood risk and provide a “Passed” outcome. Additionally, the climate change module helps evaluate long-term impacts, offering an even more comprehensive risk profile for the property and confirms the risk doesn’t worsen over time.

Report Outcome – Passed

Clarity & confidence: key benefits

These enhanced residential products offer the most comprehensive environmental reports on the market, presented in a format that’s easy to use and understand. Key benefits include:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Every report covers all key environmental risks, from coal mining to planning and everything in between, ensuring thorough due diligence.
• Clear Risk Assessment: The user-friendly format makes it easy for conveyancers and clients to understand the environmental risks and how they have been assessed.
• Enhanced Usability: The reports retain a fixed structure to keep them familiar from one case to the next. The intuitive layout and navigation throughout make locating information straightforward.
• Assessment Options: You can choose the level of detail required, with options ranging from basic checks to full expert analysis, including new features like the new innovative coal alert.

Comprehensive due diligence, made easy

Landmark’s new portfolio empowers you to provide your clients with the highest level of due diligence, helping them make informed decisions and avoid unpleasant surprises down the line. By addressing all key environmental risks in one report, you can confidently manage the complexities of environmental due diligence with ease.

Your next step

To learn more about how Landmark’s enhanced residential products and streamline your conveyancing process, download and review the Product Comparison Matrix and Toolkit today. These resources provide a side-by-side comparison of the different levels of risk assessment available, helping you make the best choice for your clients.

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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.

Climate change is no longer a ‘next generation’ threat; it’s on our doorstep impacting many different aspects of our lives, not least within the property sector.

Buildings are a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and the effects of climate change are posing considerable risks to property values and future habitability. It is now undeniable that our sector needs to adapt.

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“The property sector is a big part of the problem, as today, 40% of greenhouse gas emissions come from our buildings. If left unchecked, this is set to double by 2050.”

– Chris Loaring, Group Sustainability Director, Landmark Information Group 

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To understand how the property industry is starting to adapt, Landmark conducted comprehensive market research of 150 senior level employees working in estate agency, residential conveyancing, and mortgage lending across England, Scotland and Wales. Our findings have helped us gauge the growing commitment towards sustainability, and how we can help support and nurture this further.

The consensus from the industry

Our report, “Climate change in the property sector: a cross-market perspective,” takes a thorough dive into the findings:

Growing concern

Climate change is no longer a distant threat. A significant majority of property professionals (72%) recognise the urgent need to address its impacts. This growing awareness is driving a shift towards sustainable practices within the industry.

Client awareness

Property professionals said that clients are increasingly concerned about the potential effects of climate change on their property purchases. Flooding (60%), energy efficiency (58%), and local planning (56%) are among the top priorities for homebuyers. As climate risks become more apparent, these concerns are influencing decision-making processes.

Shifting practices

The property industry is adapting to the changing climate, and more professionals are actively advising clients. For example, mortgage lenders are, on average, advising 48% of their clients on potential climate change risks to their property, a similar number can also be seen from estate agents (49%).

Room for improvement

While the industry is making progress, there is still room for improvement. Less than 60% of conveyancing firms are currently on track to meet carbon emission targets. This highlights the need for continued efforts to reduce the industry’s environmental impact.

Encouragingly, more businesses have created net zero strategies (76%, up from 52% in 2023). Conveyancers have made significant progress, with 48% having published their own strategies. This is a demonstrable sign at just how much positive momentum towards solutions the industry is taking when it comes to the fight against climate change.

Download our report

To gain a deeper understanding of the trends and insights from our research, download your copy of ‘Climate change in the property sector: a cross-market perspective‘ here:

*World Green Building Council report: Embodied Carbon – World Green Building Council (worldgbc.org)

The strong winds and torrential rains of Storm Babet made landfall on 18 October 2023. Storm Babet was named after a woman who visited a Dutch weather agency KMNI open day and asked for her name to be used “because [she] was born during a storm.”

Discover the Meteorological Insights

What was the human impact?

• 7 killed
• 2,146 properties flooded
• 100,000 people affected by power cuts

Most affected: East Scotland, Derbyshire, North Wales, County Cork.

Environment Agency (EA) confirmed 100,000 properties were protected with 20 high-volume pumps and five small-volume pumps deployed across several sites. EA’s flood warning service sent out over 300,000 messages by email, telephone and text during Storm Babet.

The impact on businesses

Inchcape JLR dealership in Derby, which opened in 2019 on the city’s former cattle market, closed due to damage
caused by the River Derwent flooding.

It was reported that despite Environment Agency concerns the “dealership would end up under two metres of water – or more – in a ‘one in 100-year’ flood,” Derby City Council had approved the development.

Landmark pulled an Argyll Environmental report on the dealership’s site, and the data is clear: the development site was at moderate to high risk of flooding with moderate groundwater, surface pluvial and other factors putting it at risk of flooding.
There is even considerable history of flooding in this location, which would make insuring the plot challenging– and certainly expensive.

Discover Landmark’s analysis of this site.

Article originally published by Landmark Information Group.

Our recent webinar ‘The Law Society Guidance on the Impact of Climate Change on Solicitors: What does this mean for solicitors?’ is now available to watch on demand.

The webinar, hosted by Landmark, focussed on The Law Society Guidance on the Impact of Climate Change on Solicitors, and was originally shown on the 4th May.

The webinar was specifically designed for solicitors as a tool to help them understand the guidance and its implications.

The session covers two main areas of the guidance.

• Firstly, reducing the climate change impact of the law firm and its clients, which includes assessing annual carbon emissions and setting targets to achieve net zero by 2050.
• Secondly, the guidance examines climate change risks, including the duties of advising and warning clients about such risks.

Our distinguished speakers are Kirsty Green-Mann, Head of Corporate Responsibility at Burges Salmon LLP, Professor Robert Lee at Birmingham University, and Simon Boyle, Environmental Lawyer at Landmark. 

AGENDA:

• Summary of the Law Society Guidance and what this means for solicitors’ advice
• What’s the role that a law firm plays in reducing its carbon footprint and disclosing climate-related risks and opportunities?
• An overview of how Burges Salmon has implemented Net Zero
• Panel Discussion: What are the requirements for lawyers to fulfil the guidance and next steps for them
• Q&A

To watch the webinar on demand, please visit this page, and fill in the form.