The Open Property Data Association is urging property-sector organisations to respond to the government’s Smart Data Multi-Sector Call for Evidence. The consultation will help shape future policy, scheme design and possible regulation for smart data sharing, including in property transactions.
The article reports that the Home Office is tightening right-to-work rules, with draft guidance set to expand liability beyond direct employers to firms higher up the contractual chain from 1 October 2026. Construction businesses are being urged to review due diligence, subcontractor oversight and contract arrangements now, as the sector’s reliance on layered labour supply chains increases exposure to penalties.
Propertymark has published a report arguing that leasehold remains problematic for many homeowners despite recent legislative progress. The report says rising costs, complex rules and market uncertainty continue to affect existing leaseholders, and calls for further reform alongside the transition to commonhold.
HM Land Registry data shows SDLT-related requisitions remain a recurring source of registration delay, with 39,967 unique requisition numbers recorded in the year ending 2025. The article highlights that many issues arise from missing or inconsistent SDLT evidence and supporting documentation rather than the tax calculation itself.
Rowland Homes is appealing Bolton Council’s refusal of outline permission for 80 homes on a six-acre site off Arthur Lane, arguing the land should be treated as Grey Belt rather than Green Belt. The appeal will be considered by the Planning Inspectorate, with the council’s position potentially weakened by an estimated 4.15-year housing land supply and recent appeal outcomes that have favoured Grey Belt arguments.
HMRC has filed a winding-up petition against property firm Avison Young, indicating an unresolved tax dispute. The company says it expects the matter to be resolved shortly.
Sir Robert McAlpine is facing a High Court damages claim over alleged fire safety defects at a London mixed-use development, with the freeholder alleging the 13 residential units were not fit for habitation. The claim references EWS1-related review work, remediation already completed, and alleged breaches of contract, warranty rights and the Defective Premises Act 1972.
X-Press Legal Services has launched a new Leadership in Law CPD event aimed at conveyancing leaders, with the first session focusing on operational leadership, professional indemnity issues and team performance. The article also highlights growing compliance pressures in conveyancing, including AML checks, ID verification, source of funds scrutiny, leasehold reform, SDLT, Land Registry practice and fraud prevention.
HM Land Registry has updated Practice Guide 2 on first registration where title deeds have been lost or destroyed. The revision adds clarity on supporting documentation, who may apply when the last known legal estate owner is deceased, and the class of title that may be granted.
The article argues that agentic AI is now capable of materially changing legal and conveyancing work, but the main barrier is organisational adoption rather than technology. It highlights conveyancing as a sector under sustained capacity pressure, where firms may gain most from redesigning workflows around delegation, trusted data and verified review.
This opinion piece argues that Rightmove’s fee increases are disproportionate to the lead generation value some estate agencies receive, particularly in London where alternative marketing channels are more significant. It also highlights the ongoing Competition Appeal Tribunal class action and suggests that AI could eventually reduce the importance of property portals altogether.
The Society of Licensed Conveyancers argues that legal services regulation should be based on specialist expertise rather than consolidation into a single larger regulator. It says conveyancing in particular faces distinct risks, including fraud, cybercrime, lender requirements, anti-money laundering obligations and digital transformation, which require deep market knowledge and active oversight.
