One theme which stands out from Landmark’s latest residential property market research is that data integrity is no longer a back-office concern, it’s a front-line priority.
In an industry where speed, certainty and compliance define success, the quality and accessibility of property data could make or break a transaction.
Why data integrity matters
Every conveyancer knows the frustration of chasing missing information. The market research shows that 43% of transactions still require additional enquiries because of incomplete or inaccurate data at the outset, a figure that has barely shifted from last year. These gaps don’t just slow down the process; they erode client confidence and increase the risk of fall-throughs.
When data is fragmented or unreliable, the knock-on effects are significant. Longer timelines, heavier workloads and more pressure on fee earners are common outcomes. Conveyancers report spending 41% of their day chasing updates, highlighting how poor data quality translates directly into lost productivity.
The challenges behind the scenes
So why is data integrity such a persistent issue? The research points to several barriers. When asked for top three biggest frustrations with the transaction process, poor system integration and interoperability are cited by over a third of respondents (37%) as major challenges. Inconsistent data standards and formats add complexity, while security and compliance concerns remain for a similar proportion.
Legacy technology and limited IT capacity also continue to slow progress. These issues make it harder to share accurate, standardised data across all parties involved in a transaction. Digital transformation is accelerating, but risk aversion and technical issues are seen as key obstacles, with some interesting shifts compared to last year explored further in the report.
Technology is also playing a growing role. This year’s report highlights a marked increase in the use of Automation and AI, now adopted by around three-quarters (78%) of firms to support fee earners, double last year’s figure (39%). The report explores which tasks benefit most, and where firms expect the next wave of impact.
The case for early, accurate data
Early, accurate data brings clear advantages. A strong majority of conveyancers believe that earlier insights provide greater certainty to buyers, help speed up transactions and reduce enquires. In other words, data integrity isn’t just about compliance; it’s about creating a smoother, more predictable experience for everyone involved.
What conveyancers want from providers
Conveyancers value upfront insights that reduce delays and improve certainty. They also expect workflow integration that fits seamlessly into their existing processes. These priorities underline a growing expectation that providers will not only supply data but ensure its accuracy, accessibility and relevance from the very start of the process.
The Road Ahead
The message from the market is simple: data integrity is the foundation of faster, safer property transactions. Firms that invest in technology, embrace automation and prioritise accurate, accessible data will be best placed to thrive in a competitive landscape.
Download our market research report, Paving the way for smarter residential conveyancing in 2026, by clicking on the image below.
