header-logo header-logo

Making tech at home in conveyancing

169179
Residential property law isn’t exactly leading tech innovation. Why not, & how can it change? Peter Ambrose investigates
  • Why residential property lawyers should embrace AI and use it to their advantage.

When it comes to driving technology innovation, residential conveyancing tends to take a bit of a back seat—which is ironic, given that risk management is among the biggest benefit offered by technology, and conveyancing is the discipline that carries the most risk today.

As buying or selling a property is the most common reason for someone to instruct a lawyer, this makes competition fierce and margins slim. Law firm owners will acknowledge that residential property work is often at the back of the queue for investment, despite its ability to generate cash for the business quickly.

Unfortunately, investment in new technology for conveyancers remains sluggish. Moreover, the stamp duty land tax holiday experience still casts a long shadow, making retention and recruitment of experienced staff challenging.

A highly fragmented market

Bringing technology change

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Winckworth Sherwood—David Fendt

Winckworth Sherwood—David Fendt

Restructuring and insolvency practice strengthened by partner hire

Gateley Legal—Billy Poulter & Shay Moore

Gateley Legal—Billy Poulter & Shay Moore

North West residential development team welcomes partner and associate

Burgess Mee—Victoria Sterritt

Burgess Mee—Victoria Sterritt

Family law boutique expands London team with legal director hire

NEWS
The Supreme Court’s decision in Dillon highlights a central tension in modern public law: rights may be recognised without being fully realised
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming legal practice, but its successful adoption depends as much on culture as technology
Non-court dispute resolution is no longer an alternative in family law—it is rapidly becoming the norm
The fallout from Lord Mandelson’s appointment and dismissal as UK ambassador to Washington raises profound questions about constitutional governance, accountability and political appointments
Some employment law controversies never disappear—they merely lie dormant
back-to-top-scroll