The article reports growing criticism of the modern method of auction (MMoA), with conveyancers and auction professionals calling for greater transparency around fees, incentives and the way the process is marketed. Concerns centre on buyer confusion, the non-refundable reservation fee, and the pressure created by the 56-day completion timetable, especially where title or information issues emerge late in the process.
The article raises concerns that anti-money laundering requirements may be creating disproportionate friction for legitimate homebuyers, particularly migrants who have legally moved to Britain. It suggests that compliance checks can delay or complicate transactions even where there is no indication of wrongdoing.
The article provides a practical reminder for conveyancers on anti-money laundering controls, including the need for practice-wide, client and matter risk assessments. It outlines the main due diligence levels under the Money Laundering Regulations 2017 and highlights the importance of sanctions and PEP screening, supported by ongoing monitoring and audit trails.
The article argues that conveyancing firms using AI should not only track rework as a cost, but also use it as a learning tool to improve workflows and reduce repeat errors. It highlights the importance of feedback loops, especially for identifying quieter but more serious AI failures that may not be obvious in a simple rework ledger.
The article explains the difference between traditional client accounts and third-party managed accounts (TPMAs), noting that TPMAs have been permitted since 2017 but are attracting renewed interest as client money handling comes under closer scrutiny. It also highlights that firms using TPMAs still retain important responsibilities, including client disclosure, oversight, and checks on the provider’s regulatory status.
The article explains how the UK’s Steel Strategy and quota-based tariff measures may increase cost and programme uncertainty for construction projects that rely on imported steel. It argues that contractors and employers should address tariff exposure early through bespoke contractual risk allocation rather than relying on standard-form remedies after costs arise.
The article argues that the conveyancer’s role has expanded beyond core legal work to include more compliance, administrative and client-service tasks, contributing to longer transaction times. It highlights government proposals for greater digitalisation, reusable AML checks and AI standards, while suggesting that specialist tasks such as SDLT may be better handled separately.
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers is consulting licence holders and consumers as part of its review of referral fee arrangements in conveyancing. Its interim findings support referral arrangements where they are transparent and consumer-focused, and the regulator is now seeking evidence to shape clearer guidance and monitoring.
The article warns that property fraud remains a significant risk for buyers, sellers, landlords and owner occupiers, with HM Land Registry reporting 97 attempted title fraud cases in a year involving properties worth £58 million. It highlights that landlords, overseas owners and owners of empty or mortgage-free properties may be especially vulnerable, while buyers also face payment diversion fraud during conveyancing.
The article argues that conveyancing firms should assess AI tools using a 30-day rework ledger, not just vendor accuracy claims. It says the real measure of value is the total work created after an AI output is produced, including checking, correction, escalation and downstream repair.
HM Land Registry has reported a significant milestone in digital conveyancing after 1,000 mortgage deeds were signed using qualified electronic signatures (QES) via Veyco’s Remortgage iQ platform. The article says the process has reduced the signing stage to under three minutes on average and is being used in remortgage transactions delivered by Your Conveyancer, with Nationwide Building Society among the early adopters.
The article warns buyers of new-build homes to understand estate management arrangements before exchanging contracts, particularly where privately managed communal areas and associated charges apply. It notes that such charges are increasingly common on larger developments and may cover roads, green spaces, drainage, play areas and other shared facilities.
