Residential Conveyancing - OneSearch

Widespread “wait-and-see” approach to home-moving in Q4 2025 leaves market on pause.

Our Q4 2025 Property Trends Report indicates that speculation around the Autumn Budget slowed residential market activity in the final quarter of the year. In England and Wales, listings and completions dropped 7% and 6% year‑on‑year, while SSTC and search orders saw steeper falls of 17% and 19%. Mortgage valuations also slowed, though remortgaging remained steady.

Scotland performed comparatively well despite similar uncertainty. Listings dipped in October and November, recovering in December as demand resurfaced. Search activity remained muted, but SSTM volumes stabilised by year‑end. The nationwide picture suggests delays rather than loss of demand. Expectations of further rate cuts and continued price adjustments could help unlock more activity in 2026.

Other headline findings from Q4 2025 include:

Listings volumes were down 7% compared to Q4 ‘24 volumes.
In Scotland, listings were up 5% in Q4 ‘25 vs Q4 ‘24.
SSTC volumes were down 17% year-on-year in Q4 ‘25.
SSTM levels in Scotland were down 9% in Q4 ‘25 vs Q4 ‘24.
Completion volumes in Q4 ’25 were down 6% compared to Q4 ‘24.
In Scotland, completions were down 3% in Q4 ‘25 vs Q4 ‘24.

Download the report for the latest trends affecting the residential sector in Q4 2025.

2025 has been a year of meaningful networking and collaboration, and there’s nowhere more engaged in networking than the Midlands.

Through our partnership with networking group, PropertyFace2Face (PF2F), OneSearch proudly sponsored and co-hosted five vibrant Curry Club lunch events that brought property and construction professionals together in Leicester, Nottingham, and Derby. These gatherings weren’t just about exchanging business cards – they were about building relationships, sharing ideas, and creating opportunities.

Celebrating Five Fantastic Events

This year, we joined forces with PF2F for five unique events, each with its own flavour and energy:

7 February – Leicester Comedy Curry Club, MemSaab Restaurant
A lively lunch of laughter with professional comedian, Arthur Smith and networking that sets the tone for the year ahead.
9 May – Derby Curry Club, Nicco Restaurant
A spring meet-up which sparked conversations and new collaborations over a curry.
21 August – A Slice of Summer Social, Nicco Restaurant
Derby’s property and construction professionals celebrated in the sun, enjoying delicious Indian canapés, Prosecco and live Ibiza-style music in August.
19 September – Nottingham Curry Club, MemSaab Restaurant
An engaging event with speed networking that brought together like-minded Notts property and construction professionals.
9 October – High Chai & Chatter, Passan’s Restaurant, Nottingham
The premiere High Chai & Chatter event took place in October, featuring a Nottingham-themed quiz and a delicious Indian-inspired take on Afternoon Tea.

Each event had its own highlights, but all shared one common theme: meaningful connections that create new business opportunities.

Claire Slade, Business Development Manager at OneSearch, said:
“It’s been incredible to see these Curry Club events bring people together. Each one has sparked new conversations and opportunities – and that’s what networking is all about.”

Sasha Stewart, Co-Founder, Property Face2Face added:
“Partnering with OneSearch this year has been a fantastic experience. Together, we’ve created spaces where property and construction professionals can connect, collaborate, and thrive. We can’t wait to continue this journey in 2026.”

Looking Ahead to the New Year

The momentum doesn’t stop here. We’re kicking off the new year with another exciting PF2F event at Mint Leaf Lounge Restaurant, Bank, London on Thursday, 22nd January 2026 – and we’d love to see you there!

👉 https://pf2f.co.uk/event/22nd-january-2026/

Join the Conversation

Conveyancing is evolving faster than ever. Our latest residential market research, Paving the way for smarter residential conveyancing in 2026, reveals how technology is transforming your day-to-day work, helping you deliver smarter, faster, and more certain transactions.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s inside:

86% of conveyancers agree digitisation and automation have improved customer experience.
78% now use AI to assist fee earners, double last year’s figure.
73% believe earlier data insights provide greater certainty for buyers.

This market research report provides key insights to help you stay competitive, boost efficiency, and meet client needs.

Download your copy today and discover how to leverage technology and collaboration for success in 2026.

When purchasing a residential property, especially a high-value or complex one, environmental risks are often overlooked until it’s too late. Industry analysis shows that skipping thorough environmental due diligence can lead to costly surprises, legal headaches, and even failed transactions.

Here’s why Landmark’s redesigned Argyll SiteSolutions Residence report could be your smartest investment in peace of mind.

When your clients dream home comes with a hidden legacy

Picture your client purchasing their ideal home, only to later uncover that the land beneath it was once used for industrial purposes, such as a gas works or depot. While not every case makes headlines, this kind of situation is not uncommon. There are numerous examples where homeowners have discovered soil contamination linked to historic land use, triggering a long and complex process to determine who is responsible for the clean-up costs.

One particularly striking case is in Willenhall, where residents endured a decade-long ordeal after discovering their homes were built on a former gas works site that closed in 1957. The properties were developed by McClean and E Fletcher Builders (now dissolved), and in 2007, Walsall Council began investigating the site as part of its contaminated land strategy. They discovered areas contaminated with benzo(a)pyrene, a known carcinogen, alongside heavy metals, tars, and a gasworks by-product called Blue Billy. The contamination posed a significant possibility of harm, and nearly 90 homes near Kemble Close, Oakridge Drive, and Brookthorpe Drive were declared affected.

In 2015, Walsall Council served a remediation notice on Jim 2 Limited, claiming the company was liable for the contamination. The firm appealed to the Planning Inspectorate, leading to a public inquiry. After years of legal wrangling, the local authority was left with a potential £2.5 million remediation bill, and residents were left in limbo, uncertain when or how the remediation would be completed.

Had a SiteSolutions Residence report been commissioned during the purchase process, our environmental consultants would have flagged the site’s industrial history and potential contamination risks through detailed historic land use analysis. This would have empowered buyers to renegotiate, seek further investigation, or walk away before committing.

Flood: the growing threat

Flooding is still too often seen as a concern limited to riverside properties. Today, more than 4.6 million homes across the UK are at risk from surface water flooding, a number that continues to rise.

When selecting an environmental search for a residential property, the SiteSolutions Residence report stands out as the most comprehensive choice. Our consultant-led flood risk assessments take into account the entire site, delivering a more accurate and practical understanding of flood exposure, particularly valuable for larger or more complex properties.

This boundary-based approach helps buyers and conveyancers:

Identify flood risk across the full extent of the property, including gardens, driveways, and outbuildings.
Provides advice on how flood risk may affect planned renovations, extensions, or future development.
Flag potential insurance challenges or premium increases that could impact affordability or mortgage approval.

Understanding future risks

With the release of the Law Society’s Guidance on Climate Change in 2023, followed by the “Climate Change and Property” practice note for solicitors published in May 2025, environmental due diligence is now expected to go beyond present-day risks. As warmer, wetter winters and hotter, drier summers become more common, these shifting weather patterns, along with rising sea levels, are increasing the likelihood of hazards such as flooding, subsidence, coastal erosion, and heat stress.

To help buyers understand how these future scenarios could affect the usability, value, or adaptation needs of a property, our redesigned SiteSolutions Residence report offers the option to include or exclude climate change analysis, at no extra cost. This flexibility allows conveyancers and their clients to tailor the level of insight to suit the needs of each transaction.

This enhanced due diligence helps to:

Highlight long-term environmental risks that may affect how a property is used or maintained over time.
Identify areas where adaptation measures are required, such as flood defences or insulation upgrades may be necessary, helping clients plan for future costs.
Demonstrate a proactive approach to risk management, aligning your advice with best practice and reinforcing your commitment to thorough client care.

By integrating climate change analysis, the SiteSolutions Residence report supports both home buyers and solicitors in navigating an evolving risk landscape, ensuring that your transaction is underpinned by robust, forward-looking due diligence.

Legal liabilities: protecting buyers and solicitors

Lack of environmental due diligence doesn’t just hurt buyers, it can also lead to legal claims against solicitors. Missed risks like contamination or flood zones can result in unexpected remediation costs, mortgage refusals, or even lawsuits. The Law Society recommends comprehensive environmental searches for all property transactions, especially for high-value or older homes. The SiteSolutions Residence report is manually written and reviewed by accredited consultants, providing clear, actionable insights that protect both buyers and legal professionals.

What makes the SiteSolutions Residence report different?

Manual, consultant-led analysis: every report is written and reviewed by an IEMA-accredited environmental consultant, not just a computer algorithm. This enables enhanced due diligence of environmental risks.
Bespoke risk assessments: the report evaluates potential contamination risks both on-site and in the surrounding area, helping you understand how historic or nearby contaminative land uses could create legal liabilities or impact future development plans. Our flood risk assessments also highlight any concerns that may affect the current use of the property or any proposed changes, ensuring you and your clients are fully informed before proceeding.
Boundary-based reporting: the report assesses the actual site boundary, not just a central point, crucial for large or irregular properties.
Actionable recommendations: bespoke guidance on next steps, so you’re never left guessing.

Don’t let your clients dream home become a nightmare

Whether you’re a buyer, solicitor, or property professional, the Argyll SiteSolutions Residence report is your safeguard against hidden environmental risks. It’s not just about ticking a box, it’s about making informed decisions, protecting your investment, and ensuring peace of mind.

Explore the future of environmental due diligence

Our redesigned Argyll SiteSolutions reports set a new standard for environmental searches. With an intuitive design, industry-leading data interpretation, and upgrades that address today’s most pressing risks, these reports empower you to deliver exceptional service to your clients.

Discover the full portfolio here: https://hubs.ly/Q03NgBtk0

Local Authority Searches are a cornerstone of every property transaction, but not all searches deliver the same level of clarity, consistency, and reliability. Variations in council processes can lead to delays and confusion – something no conveyancer wants when deadlines are looming.

That’s why thousands of professionals across the UK trust OneSearch Prime, our flagship Regulated Local Authority Search. Here’s why OneSearch Prime stands out and how it helps you work smarter.

In a profession where time is money and accuracy is everything, having a dependable search product isn’t just a convenience – it’s a necessity. OneSearch Prime helps you work smarter, reduce risk, and deliver a better experience for your clients.

Join the growing number of conveyancers who are choosing smarter searches. Register with OneSearch today and start ordering OneSearch Prime with confidence.

In the conveyancing world, your business is only as strong as the support behind it. While technology and data are crucial, a true partnership has people at its foundation. Today, on the fourth day of National Customer Service Week, we’re celebrating the heartbeat of our business: the OneSearch customer service team.

They’re not just a helpdesk; they are the team who bring our brand to life, the friendly voices you hear on the phone, and the forensic problem-solvers who work tirelessly to ensure every detail of your enquiry is answered thoroughly. In this blog, we’re putting the spotlight on them; not quite the daunting Mastermind chair, more like a well-deserved moment in the sun.

We asked our team some questions to get a glimpse into what drives them, how they work together, and, essentially… what makes them tick.

What’s a recent or memorable problem a client brought to you that you were pleased to solve?

June: “I had a client who wanted their search returned a week sooner due to the buyer expecting her baby any day, and they wanted to be in their new home urgently. To try and obtain the results sooner, it took a little bit of persuading the council and grovelling… Luck was on our side, and I was able to obtain the results and have the search go out two days later. Happy client and happy buyer.”

Stuart: “An AML order that a client’s customer failed to follow the instructions for submitting their data to be checked. There were three things that they failed to do, including using blurred photos and not looking at the camera. I advised the process after liaising with the supplier, and managed to get the first AML refunded via the supplier.“

Carol: “I had one of our client’s clients email me with a complaint… I investigated this complaint thoroughly… The response I received back was lovely, they said they were delighted to have the issues resolved within 48hrs, and they could proceed with their purchase.”

Next, we asked them to define their personal approach to service.

What does “first-class customer service” mean to you personally?

Carol: “To me, first-class customer service means taking ownership and responsibility, truly listening, and showing empathy and respect in every interaction. It’s about treating others as you would like to be treated yourself.”

Elaine: “Being able to assure a client I will own the issue until it is resolved. I have built up a real trust in me from clients that only first-class customer service can achieve.”

June: “Listening to the client and showing concern if they do have an issue, reassuring them I will help to resolve the issue. Letting them know I will take ownership till resolved. Advise on what my next steps will be and then providing regular updates. Building a rapport with clients is a must.”

Now we’ll get a sense of what makes the team feel supported in their role.

How does OneSearch support your well-being or help you feel valued in your role?

Carol: “I have required personal and work support on a few occasions throughout my 21 years at OneSearch and I have never been let down or made to feel unsupported… 100% of the time I have been supported which is amazing.“

June: “I can guarantee I will be asked how I am by my manager the minute she sees me and will always notice If I am not myself and check how I am… My manager always tells me I am a valued member of the team, which is amazing to hear.“

Finally, we wanted to know what makes this level of service possible.

What’s your favourite thing about being a part of the OneSearch customer service team?

June: “The tea service is amazing! Always feel valued and taken care of, feel like part of a wee family with great support… Although the singing can be a bit dodgy at times!”

Carol: “Oh, so many things but first and foremost the people and definitely the banter – it makes for a great day if you have some fabulous banter.”

Stuart: “The people. I work with lovely people, who I know have my back, and I have theirs.”

When they aren’t working their conveyancing magic, the team is busy with a wide variety of personal interests. These passions are what make the team so unique, and so great at what they do.

What’s something you love to do outside of work?

Stuart: “My hobbies, including producing music and watching YouTube documentaries. I’m also currently watching I’m watching Foundation”

Elaine: “Too many things to mention! Everything from plastering to gardening.”

Carol: “I go to the gym a lot but maybe not always to work out, but a lot of the time it’s for a coffee, a bun and a natter with friends! I do like to visit the odd castle and stately home.”

June: “Spending time with my kids and family and my wee dog Shyla. I am currently also watching the second series of “Lie to Me” with Tim Roth and Kelli Williams on Prime Video.”

And finally, if they could become an expert in anything instantly?

Stuart: “Astrophysics – I love anything space related.”

Carol: “Archaeology.”

June: “I would love to be an expert Astronomer as find the night sky fascinating.”

It’s clear that our customer service team’s commitment goes far beyond a job description; their passion for problem-solving, their dedication to one another, and their genuine drive to help you succeed are what make them the true heart of our company.

The integrity of our service reflects the integrity of our people. We believe that this team’s stability, expertise, and collaborative spirit are the key to building the kind of trusted partnership your firm deserves.

So, the next time you connect with us, you can be confident that you’re not just getting a service – you’re getting the best of our team.

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