HMRC has introduced a broader sanctionable conduct regime that can penalise tax advisers who intentionally facilitate tax underpayment and can also compel production of files where there are reasonable grounds to suspect misconduct. The article focuses on how this affects conveyancers handling SDLT work, emphasising the importance of contemporaneous records, clear reasoning and client approval trails.
The Legal Ombudsman’s 2025/26 annual report shows a 37% rise in complaints overall, with residential conveyancing accounting for 73% of the increase. The main drivers were delays, poor communication and post-completion registration issues, which the LeO says point to broader service breakdowns and weak complaint handling rather than isolated technical mistakes.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has rebuked Preston-based Gowlings Solicitors Limited after it failed to comply with an undertaking in a conveyancing transaction within the agreed timescale. The firm had promised to redeem a mortgage on completion without first verifying the redemption figure, leaving a shortfall that had to be covered from its own office account before the matter was resolved.
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 explains that UK Finance has introduced two-factor authentication on its Lender Handbook website, prompting some conveyancers to use the Lender Handbook functionality already embedded within the InfoTrack platform instead of logging in separately. It also notes that lender Part 2 requirements are changing frequently, making integrated access and alerts more useful for day-to-day conveyancing workflows.
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.
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.
X-Press Legal Services has added the newly launched GeoCerta environmental search platform to its product portfolio. The service is positioned as a faster, clearer way for conveyancers to assess environmental and climate-related risks, with reporting aligned to CIE Standards and backed by professional indemnity insurance.
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.
HMRC is reminding eligible tax advisers, including conveyancers who submit stamp duty returns for clients, to complete mandatory registration before 18 August 2026. The new regime is intended to improve transparency and may restrict advisers who fail to register from acting on behalf of clients, with potential financial penalties for non-compliance.
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.
