The article argues that residential conveyancing in 2026 is being shaped by a more stable market, but firms still face pressure from long transaction times, client expectations and operational inefficiencies. It highlights the growing importance of upfront information, benchmarking and process improvement, alongside government-backed reform aimed at making property information available earlier in the transaction.
The article explains the UK digital verification services register and how it helps businesses confirm whether an identity verification provider has been independently certified under the government trust framework. It distinguishes between certification and registration, and outlines the information available on the public register to support due diligence when selecting a provider.
The FCA has banned a former law firm manager from financial services after findings that he allowed more than £28 million of client money to be taken from client accounts without authorisation. The case follows SRA action against Kingly Solicitors, including a record fine, firm closure, and findings of forged statements, improper transfers and a remaining client money shortfall of around £10 million.
The article discusses the government’s proposal to require more upfront property information as part of home buying and selling reforms. It argues that the main benefit would be greater transparency and better-informed decisions, but only if the information is accurate, consistent, current and easy to understand.
The Scottish Government has launched a review of the conveyancing process in Scotland, with a focus on reducing delays, cutting paperwork and increasing digitalisation. The review will be led by Jill Andrew and Professor Andrew Steven, and is intended to produce recommendations for improving the residential conveyancing model.
The article examines concerns raised by law firms and compliance advisers about the SRA’s new Rule 8.4, which is intended to separate significant management control from key compliance roles such as COLP and COFA. Critics argue the rule may be unclear, disproportionate and costly for smaller and mid-sized firms, particularly where it applies even to firms that do not hold client money.
The Home Builders Federation says delays and inconsistent requirements in the adoption of new roads are adding cost and uncertainty to housing delivery. Its report argues that long timescales, rising bond values and variable local authority fees are undermining the viability of new developments and increasing ongoing charges for residents on unadopted estates.
Project 28 marked its first anniversary with an industry event focused on accelerating residential transactions toward a 28-day exchange target. The discussion centred on upfront information, earlier risk identification, and closer collaboration between conveyancers, lenders, estate agents and technology providers to reduce delays and improve certainty.
The government has announced a new landlord registration service as part of Renters’ Rights Act reforms, with rollout beginning on 15 December in the West Midlands and expanding nationally over the next 12 months. Landlords who fail to register could face fines of up to £7,000, and registration numbers will need to appear on property adverts; future phases may also require registration of vacant properties before marketing.
The Conveyancing Task Force has joined criticism of the SRA’s planned changes to who can hold COLP and COFA roles, arguing the regulator should publish the evidence behind the rule change. The group says the proposals may be too blunt for different firm structures and calls for a wider review of whether the current role-based model is the best safeguard for client money.
The article explains that lawful basis for processing personal data is determined once per purpose, not re-established for every AI interaction. It argues that firms should focus on documenting approved AI use and maintaining records that evidence accountability, vendor control and data flow, rather than treating each AI action as a separate compliance event.
The government has indicated that the Financial Conduct Authority will begin taking on anti-money laundering supervision for professional services firms by the end of 2028, with full onboarding expected by mid-2030. The transition is intended to be phased, risk-based and supported by consultation on the future fee model, while existing supervisors remain in place until the FCA assumes responsibility.
