As June arrives, ushering in the warmth of summer and the surprising realisation that we’re already halfway through 2025, we’re pleased to continue sharing the latest updates and insights from across the conveyancing landscape and bring you the next instalment of Collaboration. This month’s highlights reflect our ongoing commitment to collaboration with our partners and staying attuned to the developments shaping the industry.
New On-Demand Webinars: Practical Guidance for Managing Risk and Responding to Enquiries
Over the past couple of months, we’ve been pleased to offer two webinars in conjunction with IQ Legal Training. These webinars have been led by Ian Quayle and are both available to watch on demand – perfect for fitting into a busy schedule while staying informed on essential risk management and process improvements.
Dealing with Enquiries – recorded on 8th April 2025 – for residential conveyancers of all levels and experience
Handling enquiries effectively remains a cornerstone of a smooth conveyancing process. This webinar explores best practices for managing enquiries efficiently, balancing client needs with professional obligations, and responding in a way that keeps transactions on track while managing liability.
Avoiding Negligence Claims When Dealing with TA Forms – recorded on 7th May 2025 – for experienced residential conveyancers
This session offers practical insight into reducing the risk of negligence claims when handling TA forms. Learn how to spot potential pitfalls early, manage client expectations, and ensure that the information provided is accurate and complete, helping you protect both your firm and your clients from costly mistakes.
The AI-rt of the possible. Chis Harris speaks on the Today’s Conveyancer Podcast
The latest Today’s Conveyancer podcast explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in conveyancing, focusing on its ability to enhance efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and improve risk management. Host David Opie is joined by Chris Harris, the founder of Collaborative Conveyancing, who shares insights into how AI-driven tools can streamline tasks such as document analysis, inquiry management, and property searches.
A key takeaway is the shift in client expectations, as AI enables faster information retrieval and response times. Clients are increasingly using AI to fact-check legal processes, which raises new challenges for conveyancers in maintaining trust and transparency.
Pre-Contract Enquiries: Sentiment Remains Low in 2025
The 2025 Today’s Conveyancer sentiment survey, which is now in its fourth year, reveals ongoing frustration around pre-contract enquiries, with 55% of conveyancers saying the situation has worsened in the last year. While the actual number of enquiries appears steady, many report a decline in their relevance, often attributed to a lack of expertise and over-reliance on standard templates.
Concerns are also growing around the new dual-form approach to the TA6 and material information, with over half of the respondents predicting an increase in enquiries.
Encouragingly, more firms are seeing process automation as part of the solution, with a notable rise in those rating its impact as “very important.” The call to action? Smarter processes, relevant enquiries, and better collaboration across the profession.
Material Information Guidance Withdrawn – Regulatory Overhaul
As of 8th May 2025, all parts of the National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team’s (NTSELAT) Material Information guidance have been withdrawn with immediate effect. This change coincides with the implementation of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCC Act), which replaced the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations as of 6 April 2025.
Although the checklist-style guidance has been scrapped, the legal obligation to provide “material information” remains in full force. Property agents must still disclose all key details necessary for informed consumer decision-making. Failure to do so could be classified as an unfair commercial practice, enforceable directly by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which now has the power to impose fines of up to 10% of global turnover.
Agents are now responsible for determining what constitutes material information, guided generally by CMA principles rather than a statutory checklist. This represents a pivotal shift in both compliance responsibility and enforcement rigour.