The Intermediary – November 2025 - Flipbook - Page 56
Round-table.
of working. If we look at the work we’ve done, the
blended average number of days to complete since
the inception of the relationship is sub-50 days. It
can be done. But we spent months going through
detailed design work and building out the tech.”
Coughlan also observes: “Not every answer
involves technology, there are things we can do
ourselves – where the estate agent, broker, and
conveyancer genuinely work well together.
“Culturally, even just sharing documents, having
the right conversations, setting expectations, and
making sure there’s a friendly conveyancer on the
other side – collaboration is key. Ordering searches
earlier, sharing ID information, these are all selfhelp measures we can take, and both us and many
others are doing variations of this already.”
A core point of frustration between those on
either side of the conveyancing conversation is the
lack of clarity around what information is needed
and why.
The panel agrees that a simple first step, and one
which does not necessitate integrated systems or
complex planning, is the commitment to follow
up after the fact. When transactions have raised
seemingly unnecessary back and forth, a short
wash-up meeting to understand why could lead to
basic improvements that benefit everyone longterm, without the need for seismic reform.
Next steps: Increase the points
of communication and information
sharing throughout the process, taking
the time now to make long-term
improvements.
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The Intermediary | November 2025
T R A N S PA R E NCY
Property transactions remain highly complex,
with critical information often hidden away within
separate organisations and systems.
Nick Dyoss, group business development and
relationships director at Landmark Information
Group, points to pilot projects digitising local land
charges, highways, and building regulations, noting
that: “If we achieve that, we’ll move toward ‘oneday search packs.’ Even if conveyancers don’t want
them, having that data earlier in the transaction
gives more time to address problems or creates
greater certainty – and that’s what people want.”
The panel is enthusiastic about the potential
for real-time data sharing and digital dashboards
to give all parties visibility over the status of a
transaction, which should help the sector rebuild
trust and confidence.
Coughlan identifies practical barriers, though,
particularly when it comes to sharing information
and the impact of material information initiatives.
She says: “If we could get rid of paper forms,
carry out upfront searches, and share ID checks, up
the use of [Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES)],
get simpler and consolidated lender requirements,
then things would start to move.”
Indeed, QES could provide the foundation
needed to bring UK conveyancing in line with
modern digital standards, but the industry
still needs unified data standards, trusted ID
frameworks and widespread adoption.
Coughlan adds that the push for greater
transparency is also causing its own problems,
saying: “The issue with material information
