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.

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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 23rd 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.

In July 2024, OneSearch’s parent company, Landmark Information Group, interviewed 100 residential property solicitors and conveyancers in England, Scotland, and Wales.

Together, we asked about artificial intelligence, digital transformation, legislative changes, upfront information, and much more.

The responses shaped our new Market Research Report – ‘Residential Conveyancing: Looking ahead to 2025’ – which covers their challenges, concerns, priorities, and predictions for the coming year.

Find out what they said and download the report.

Our parent company Landmark’s latest Residential Property Trends Report for Q3 2024 is now available. This thorough analysis explores the property transaction landscape in England, Scotland and Wales, offering valuable insights into key market dynamics, including listings, SSTC/SSTM, searches ordered and completions.

A mixed picture of cautious optimism 

The residential market in Q3 2024 reveals a mixed landscape, showing a 6% increase in listings compared to Q3 2019 in England and Wales. However, this positive trend is overshadowed with completion volumes 42% lower in Q3 ‘24 vs Q3 ‘19, indicating continued challenges of progressing demand within the market. 

Ongoing external economic and political turbulence is still causing affordability constraints and buyer caution, as home-movers pause ahead of the Budget in the hope of more favourable interest rates. Many buyers are taking a wait-and-see approach, but there could be signs of potential recovery in Q4, especially if political and economic factors continue to stabilise. 

Ongoing inefficiencies in home buying and selling also hinder the process, with Scotland – which has a more streamlined transaction process – showing healthier completions than England and Wales. While both markets saw a 6% increase in listings, Scotland experienced only a 13% drop in completion rates since 2019, compared to a 42% drop in England and Wales. 

Other key findings from Q3 ‘24 include: 

  • In England, Wales and Scotland, listing volumes were up 6% in Q3 ‘24 vs Q3 ‘19.  
  • In England, SSTC volumes in Q3 ‘24 were down 37% when compared to Q3 ‘19 volumes. In Scotland, SSTM levels were down 23% in Q3 ‘24 vs Q3 ‘19. 
  • In England and Wales, completions have fallen 42% vs Q3 2019. In Scotland, completions were down just 13% vs Q3 2019. 

Download the report to discover the latest trends impacting the residential sector in Q3 2024. 

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.


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 

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 ofClimate change in the property sector: a cross-market perspective here:

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