The article explains that AI should be understood as a language and administrative support tool rather than a substitute for legal judgment in conveyancing. It argues that conveyancers can use approved AI systems to summarise correspondence, draft routine communications and reduce administrative burden, provided they follow firm governance and data protection rules.
The article argues that many letting agencies are investing in AI and PropTech too quickly, without first having clear processes or a properly designed operating model. Sally Lawson says automation can amplify existing weaknesses, especially as firms respond to tighter margins and the compliance demands associated with the Renters’ Rights Act.
The article argues that conveyancing firms should approach AI cautiously and focus first on practical, lower-risk uses such as document review, call handling and consistency checks. The author suggests that AI is most useful in reducing administrative error and compliance risk, rather than replacing core legal judgment in tasks like raising enquiries or drafting reports on title.
The article rounds up several technology developments in the conveyancing sector, including AI-assisted report on title drafting, a new licensed NLIS Hub channel, redesigned Source of Funds reporting, and a digital maturity ranking for a conveyancing firm. The common theme is greater automation, improved data access, and more configurable workflows for property transactions.
A London landlord, Nirpaul Riat, has reportedly been stripped of his OBE following a successful prosecution by Hounslow Council. The case involved unlawful conversion of houses into flats and the letting of outbuildings in poor conditions to vulnerable occupants, with earlier enforcement action against the same individual dating back to 2009.
A London landlord, Nirpaul Riat, has reportedly been stripped of his OBE following a successful prosecution and lobbying by Hounslow Council. The case involved unlawful conversion of houses into flats and the letting of outbuildings in poor conditions to vulnerable occupants, with earlier enforcement action also recorded in 2009.
The Upper Tribunal Administrative Appeals Chamber refused permission to appeal in a case concerning the First-tier Tribunal’s jurisdiction under section 166 of the Data Protection Act 2018. The ruling reviews existing case law and confirms the limited scope of the FTT’s powers in this area.
The article argues that, despite uncertainty ahead of the Budget, buyers and sellers can reduce transaction delays by preparing early. It highlights the importance of organising financial evidence for AML checks, reviewing title documents in advance, and starting leasehold information requests early to keep conveyancing moving.
An estate agency owner has been fined after a fire incident left people trapped in a building. The article states that the total fines amount to around £25,000.
The Environment Agency has updated its Climate Change Agreements Operations Manual to reflect the launch of a new CCA scheme in January 2026. The revisions include new target methodology, facility-level reporting, updated compliance and eligibility review processes, revised reporting tools, and removal of outdated guidance and templates.
