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Here are just some of the conversations conveyancers, lenders and other property professionals have been having at our tmpropertyhub events in Liverpool across 2018…

1. “Second-time buyers are the ones really disrupting the housing market”

“I think it’s the people on their second moves that pose the real challenge to the housing market. They want to move up to get into the next location, but the differential cost is sometimes prohibitive. 

Many of them are at a time in life where they’ve got children and high outgoings, which makes it harder to move up the ladder. For the most part they don’t get any assistance – but if they don’t move, the first-time buyers can’t move either.” 

2. “Help to Buy is being used by a lot of wealthy people – not those it was really intended for”

“We’ve had some clients with exceptionally wealthy parents who are still going down the Help to Buy scheme route. I’ve also seen wealthy clients buying up new builds, not because they need to, but because they get to take advantage of Help to Buy, as well as Help to Buy ISAs to a certain extent.

I do find myself thinking that it really wasn’t designed for them – yet they are the ones able to take advantage of it.”

3. “Landlords are selling up due to tax and regulation changes – and adding to the housing supply”

“We’re seeing a lot of landlords selling up due to tax changes and new regulation coming in. It’s not for the amateur anymore. It’s just too expensive, and you can’t cover costs – so they are getting out.  

There are some positives to this. Now’s probably the right time for Landlords to get out, as they’ve made their capital return, so they aren’t losing out. This is also adding to the housing supply and helping the property market.” 

4. “The rise of ‘The bank of mum and dad’ is forcing conveyancers to adapt their process to manage the extra work”

“The bank of mum and dad is not a new phenomenon, but in terms of volumes right now, it’s almost one in two.

We can’t just let the mortgage offer expire because of the extra work either. We just have to adapt our processes and our workforce, so that we can deal with the actual work. 

We don’t charge for it. As far as we’re concerned, you just have to make sure you service the needs of the clients.” 

5. “‘The bank of mum and dad’ is supporting second-time movers too”

“First-time buyers are getting a lot of help right now – from the government with Help to Buy ISAs, as well as their parents with ‘the bank of mum and dad’.

However, we do see second-time buyers also making use of ‘the bank of mum and dad’. Probably not as many, but it does happen. It depends on whether they’ve generated any equity their first house.”

Are you noticing these trends in your local area? 

Want to join the next conversation in Liverpool? Our autumn tmpropertyhub is taking place on 10th October. 

Click here to register and find out more

Not based in Liverpool? Don’t worry! Our tmpropertyhub events are also taking place across a further 10 locations this autumn - from Leeds to Southampton.

Click here to find out if we’re coming to a town or city near you

Source : Liverpool Property Hub : 16th May 2018 : Attended by property professionals – including conveyancers and lenders. 

Here are the latest updated prices for Thames Water Drainage & Water products

From Thursday 2nd August, Future Climate Info’s Essential, Standard and Premium Residential reports, as well as their Standard and Premium Commercial reports will be available to order on tmconvey.

You’ll also be able to order their Flood and Energy reports - for Residential and Commercial. 

You can see a summary of the new product suite, along with sample reports here: 

Flood:

> Flood Residential - less than 25 Ha : Click here to see a sample report

> Flood Commercial less than 25 Ha : Click here to see a sample report

Energy:

> Energy Commercial - less than 30Ha : Click here to see a sample report

> Energy Residential - less than 10Ha : Click here to see a sample report

Residential:

> Essential Residential Report 

Meets the minimum requirements of the Law Society’s guidance on flooding and Contaminated Land.

> Environmental

> Flooding 

> Standard Residential Report 

 Contains all of the information from the Essential report and includes Ground Stability data.

> Environmental

> Flooding

> Ground Stability  

> Premium Residential Report 

You can see a sample report here

Contains all of the information from the Standard report and includes data on Energy & Infrastructure such as wind farms, shale gas exploration, and HS2.

> Environmental

> Flooding

> Ground Stability  

> Energy + Infrastructure

Commercial:

> Standard Commercial Report

Contains information on:

> Environmental

> Ground Stability

> Flooding

> Premium Commercial Report

Click here to see a sample report

Contains all of the information from the Standard report and includes data on Energy & Infrastructure such as wind farms, shale gas exploration, and HS2

> Environmental

> Ground Stability

> Flooding

> Energy + Infrastructure

For more information, please speak to your Account Manager, or get in touch with Helpdesk on 0800 840 5571  or helpdesk@tmgroup.co.uk

Is Post-Completion work taking up too much of your team’s time? Here Hand Morgan & Owen Solicitors, McDonald’s Restaurants Limited, and Thomson Snell & Passmore LLP share how tmconvey’s integrated SDLT & AP1 submission has made their lives easier…

> “If a colleague is off sick or on holiday, I can continue to progress their SDLT and AP1 submissions”

“We like the tmconvey platform and find it very easy to use. It is colourful and easy to find your way around. I also find it very useful to be able to see everyone’s cases, so if a colleague is off sick or on holiday, I can continue to progress their SDLT and AP1 submissions and meet our tight deadlines. 

Before using tmconvey’s Post-Completion services, we were visiting different websites and logging into HMRC and Land Registry separately. We were also printing off the paper AP1 form, before filling it out, scanning it and uploading it. It was all very time consuming, but now it’s so much easier. 

The support from the tmgroup team is also fantastic and I can’t commend them highly enough. The Helpdesk is great and our Account Manager is superb. Everyone is just so willing to help.”

Comments from : 

Victoria Follows, Partner, Property Department, Hand Morgan & Owen Solicitors

> “Information is pulled through from my case and automatically pre-filled in my SDLT and AP1 forms”

“I’ve been using tmgroup’s new Post-Completion service – with SDLT and AP1 submission – for about a month. It’s really user friendly especially as it has all of the features of existing services, and more. I also find it helpful that information is pulled through from my case and automatically pre-filled in my SDLT and AP1 forms, as this definitely saves time. 

I’ve also been very impressed with how quickly the tm team have acted on any suggestions I’ve made for further enhancing their Post-Completion services – with some being implemented within just a few hours! It’s great to feel I’m being listened to.”

Comments from : 

Samuel Hammond, Paralegal at McDonald's Restaurants Limited

> “I like the layout of the SDLT form, as it is easier for our clients to understand and approve the information” 

“Submitting SDLT forms is much easier on tmconvey, as it pulls through information from the case such as the property address, which is good. I like the layout of the SDLT form too, which makes it easier for our fee earners and our clients to understand, so they can approve the information easily. 

It’s also great that the SDLT form is half the size, which is a bonus when we’re working towards becoming paper light, but still need to print SDLT forms off for our records for the time being. 

It’s also good that by the time you get to the AP1 form, and have already completed your searches and your SDLT, it copies across the agent details, property address, and copies across the SDLT5 too – so you don’t have to scan and save.”

Comments from : 

Anna Connett, Legal Secretary (Residential Conveyancing) at Thomson Snell & Passmore LLP

Post-Completion services AVAILABLE NOW on tmconvey 

Complementing the existing SDLT submission service, our new AP1 submission is now available on tmconvey. 

Visit our dedicated webpage to find out more and see a video demo. 

To be switched on today, speak to your Account Manager, or get in touch!

Property Hub Network events are engaging an increasing number of property professionals across the country – with a combination of NEW and returning locations taking the series up to 11 events this autumn.

Facilitated by tmgroup, Property Hub Network events are bite-sized, 2-hour sessions that bring representatives from all parties involved in the property transaction together for roundtable table discussions about their local property market – without compromising their busy schedule. 

Click here to find out more about our autumn Property Hub Network events

‘The bank of mum and dad’ got Property Hubs off to an engaging start

The series has gone from strength to strength since launching back in May 2018. ‘The bank of mum and dad’ took centre stage, as Property Hub Network events made their debut in Leeds, Liverpool and Nottingham. 

A number of key points were raised, from the choices (and compromises) parents are making to fund their children’s dreams of property ownership, to the wider impact and challenges of shared ownership options. All in all, fuelling the appetite for future debate – and demand for future events. 

Improving the home buying process sparked heated debate in July

The July series swiftly followed with heated discussions around improving the home buying and selling process – and the addition of Cardiff, Northampton, Bristol and Southampton locations. 

Key points included; Delays being caused by lenders who continue to use a mix of paper and electronic processes, technology having the potential to deliver time-saving solutions, but not replacing legal expertise or customer service, and overall highlighting the importance of managing home movers expectations throughout the process.

Autumn series adds another 4 NEW Property Hub Network event locations

Property Hub Network events are quickly building momentum and increasing their reach across the country – with 4 NEW locations being added into the autumn series, taking place across September and October 2018. 

Autumn series : Part One : September

• NEW Solihull : 11th September 

Click here to register

• NEW Harrow (London) : 11th September

Click here to register

• NEW Kingston-upon-Thames (London) : 12th September

Click here to register

• NEW Manchester : 12th September 

Click here to register

• Nottingham : 13th September 

Click here to register

Autumn series : Part Two : October 

• Leeds : 9th October 

Click here to register

• Bristol : 9th October 

Click here to register

• Liverpool : 10th October 

Click here to register

• Southampton : 10th October 

Click here to register

• Northampton : 11th October 

Click here to register

• Cardiff : 11th October 

Click here to register

Can’t see your nearest town or city on the list? 

Let us know and we’ll arrange a Property Hub Network event near you! Simply click here to submit your request. 

At tmgroup, we want you to get the very best from our tmconvey platform. That’s why we have a dedicated Helpdesk and experienced team of Account Managers on hand to support you every step of the way.  

We listen to you and your team to get your firm off to the best possible start 

We don’t make assumptions; we listen. From initial set-up and preferences, to enabling specific mapping options and non-standard products, we work closely with your team to adapt our platform around your firm’s needs. We also share best practice ideas and offer informed, practical suggestions to help you maximise efficiency. It’s how we make time for you. 

We know there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to getting your team up and running, so we also take the time to design a training programme that is right for your firm. From creating tailored training sessions to suit different roles across the business, to accommodating the most convenient times for your team to attend. 

Responding to feedback and evolving our services is part of who we are

From customer satisfaction surveys and feedback forms, to involving customers in pilot programmes as we develop new services, we are committed to creating opportunities for listening to and responding to our customers’ needs. We’re also replacing our 0844 phone number with a free 0800 number very soon to make it even easier for you to share your thoughts. 

We’re also interested in hearing your views on the property market. That’s why we’ve launched our new series of Property Hubs, to bring property experts together to discuss the challenges and opportunities in their local area. Events have already taken place across Leeds, Liverpool, Northampton, Southampton, Nottingham, Cardiff and Bristol, and the series is continuing to build momentum – with new locations Harrow, Kingston upon Thames and Manchester making their debut this September. 

Our friendly Helpdesk team and Account Managers offer ongoing support 

It doesn’t stop there. As you continue on your tm journey, your dedicated Account Manager will be on hand to answer any questions or queries, as well as introduce you to our latest time-saving services as and when they are added to our tmconvey platform. Recent examples include our New Build Managed Service, as well as integrated SDLT & AP1 submission. Our friendly Helpdesk team will also be on hand to assist you, whenever you need them. 

Don’t just take our word for it! Take a look at what some of our customers have been saying about our wonderful team… 

• “The support from the tmgroup team is fantastic and I can’t commend them highly enough. The Helpdesk is great and our Account Manager is superb. Everyone is just so willing to help.”

- Victoria Follows, Partner, Property Department, Hand Morgan & Owen Solicitors

• “We all think that the tmgroup team are very responsive, as there is always someone happy to help, from Helpdesk to our Account Manager.”

- Ruby Jennings, Legal Assistant at Ashtons Legal 

See for yourself how easy it is to get started…

Simply call our Helpdesk on 0800 840 5571 or email helpdesk@tmgroup.co.uk

tmgroup are proud to announce that they are fully integrated with the new digital Local Land Charges Register, which launched on Wednesday 11th July with the digitisation of Warwick District Council’s Local Land Charges (LLC) data. 

It was a momentous occasion when the first LR Business Gateway order was placed at 9.22am on launch day, and a successful response was sent from HM Land Registry to the customer almost instantly. The tm team were pleased to share this historic moment with Brethertons LLP, who placed the order for their LLC1 that morning.

Tom Ansell, Head of Practice Area – Conveyancing at Brethertons LLP comments:

“Brethertons have worked with tmgroup for some time and were pleased to be part of the consultation group involved in getting this new digital LR LLC1 service ready for release.  

We are thrilled to be the first conveyancing team to use the LR LLC1 service and couldn’t believe how quickly the documents were returned and the quality of the reports therein.  

We can already see how this service will be such a benefit to our customers; speeding up transaction times and furthering their overall positive conveyancing experience.”

Paul Albone, Chief Operating Officer at tmgroup comments:

“This is an exciting step forward for the property industry, and we’re pleased to be supporting this new service on tmconvey. tm has a track record of working closely with HMLR on integrated solutions and this is yet another first for the business.  We look forward to continuing to work together to deliver further improvements in the future which will help to streamline the conveyancing process even more, making time for all those involved in it.”  

tmgroup will continue to support the rollout of the new digital register 

Warwick District Council is one of around 350 Local Authorities who will have their Local Land Charges (LLC) data digitised across 2018 and beyond, and tmgroup will continue working closely with HM Land Registry throughout the rollout of their new digital Local Land Charges Register. 

Click here to find out more about how tmgroup are supporting the new digital Local Land Charges Register – and stay tuned for further updates.

As you may already be aware, HM Land Registry launched their new digital Local Land Charges Register today – 11th July 2018 – and the first local authority’s local land charges (LLC) data to be available is Warwick District Council’s.

This is an exciting step forward for the property industry, and we’re pleased to be supporting this new service on tmconvey. 

What happens next?

Warwick District Council is one of around 350 Local Authorities who will have their Local Land Charges (LLC) data digitised across 2018 and beyond. While you’ll notice a few differences if you are ordering your LLC1 through Warwick District Council (more details below), it will be business as usual for other Local Authorities. 

We are working closely with Land Registry throughout the rollout of their new digital Local Land Charges Register – and will receive a minimum of 30 days’ notice from HM Land Registry about any Local Authorities being added to the digital Register. 

We’ll also be supporting you with regular emails and updates as the rollout progresses, and making sure you have any information you need in good time. 

What is happening with Warwick District Council?

For tmconvey customers, the process for ordering an LLC1 through tmconvey will remain exactly the same. 

You’ll notice some slight differences in the way your results are returned, but we’ll continue to work with you as these changes happen and seek to apply your feedback to further improve this service over the coming months.

> Your LLC1 result will be returned faster than normal (typically within 24 hours), as the report will be processed via the new LR digital Register. 

> The CON29 will continue to be returned as it always has been in accordance with the Local Authority turnaround time, as specified at the point of order.

> There will be some changes to the LLC1 report format, as the data will be returned from Land Registry – instead of your Local Authority.

> The LLC1 and CON29 will be billed separately and appear on separate lines of any invoices you receive. 

As the LR migrates over other Local Authorities, we will immediately support them through the tmconvey platform, providing our customers with the latest offerings in the provision of digital property related data.

How do I share my feedback about this new service?

We’ll be inviting customer feedback as we continue to provide this new service from Land Registry. If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please email your Account Manager, or Helpdesk on helpdesk@tmgroup.co.uk 

Groundsure are pleased to announce that they have updated their Groundsure Avista report with a new Transportation section – including the proposed Crossrail2 route. 

Groundsure offer the only environmental reports in the searches market to feature this data – and this report will be available to order on tmconvey from Thursday 5th July. 

Highlights of the new Transportation section include:

• HS2 Noise and visual impact*

• Proposed Crossrail2 route, stations/headhouses, worksites, safeguarding areas*

• HS2 safeguarding, rural support and homeowner payment zones*

• Historical railways and tunnels

• London Underground and DLR* (also including Tyne and Wear Metro and Glasgow Subway)

* Groundsure offer the only environmental reports in the searches market to feature this data. Data available for Phase 1 of HS2 only.

Groundsure Avista is a a clear and comprehensive risk report 

This latest addition to Groundsure Avista builds on a number of key features, which launched as part of the clear and concise environmental report back in June 2017:

• Improved accuracy and pass rates: Avista reports are based on Land Registry polygon data as standard for the highest level of accuracy, with 106 million data points being analysed to significantly improve pass rates. 

• Clear and concise recommendations: Clearly signposted data with unambiguous recommendations leaves customers better informed, without being overwhelmed by confusing jargon. 

• The average report is less than 20 pages long: The average Avista report is less than 20 pages long, making it simple for conveyancers to hone in on what’s important. 

• Review next steps with a quick glance: The Avista Action Alert saves transaction time and trouble by providing a simple visual guide to the complexity of the environmental factors associated with a property. 

The new and updated Groundsure Avista report is available to order now on tmconvey. Click here to see a sample report.

Designed to speed up transactions, reduce fall-through rates, and help you to win more business, mio is a sales progression and communication tool created by property experts for property experts.

Here Jamie Wallace, Sales Negotiator from Allen & Harris in Stoke Gifford (Bristol) shares how mio has not only helped to save him time, but has also made a great first impression on clients and helped win new business.

Estate Agents traditionally waste a lot of time piecing information together 

Lack of visibility and poor communication creates stress and uncertainty across the length of the property chain. It also wastes a lot of time, as Estate Agents juggle phone calls, emails and multiple databases to piece together the information needed to progress the sale. 

As Jamie Wallace comments; “Before using mio, it was very time-consuming to gather the information I needed about each property chain. Particularly when I needed to find out something specific, such as whether the buyer further up the chain had ordered their searches, and would have to make phone calls, leave voicemails and wait to hear back.”

mio allows everyone connected in the chain to see the whole picture 

Powered by tmgroup, mio builds on nearly 20 years’ experience in streamlining the property transaction to address the communication challenges that typically slow down the home buying and selling process.

With tools and features designed to increase transparency of the chain, as well as branch productivity, mio offers Estate Agents a smarter way to manage the home buying process;

• Key notes and contacts digitised and stored in one place 

• Integrations to mitigate rekeying of data and help automate the chain building 

• Streamlined sales progression with data feeds from conveyancers, lenders and surveyors 

• Centralised communications 

• Certainty that your messages have been safely delivered and read

All of these features (and more!) empower branches to see the whole picture, so they can identify potential issues and delays in the chain – and help their transactions get moving.

As Jamie Wallace comments; “With mio, it is quick and easy to understand what is happening across the chain and where I need to prioritise my efforts to help my transactions get moving. It’s great. I no longer have to waste time making phone calls and sending emails for the latest updates, I can just look at my screen and the information I need is right there. It’s a really useful tool.”

Homemovers are always interested in mio and receiving updates to their smartphone

mio also improves the property transaction for buyers and sellers, providing a great talking point and a competitive edge for Estate Agents as they bid for new listings, as Jamie Wallace comments; “mio is a really good marketing tool and helps us to make a great first impression. When we’re talking to potential new clients, they are always interested in mio – especially when we tell them that they’ll be able to check updates on their smartphone as the sale progresses.”

With quick and easy access 24/7 at their fingertips, in-app messaging, as well as regular updates, tasks and reminders, homemovers benefit from a flexible, proactive approach to their move – that also reduces the number of chasing calls to their Estate Agent and Conveyancer.

Jon Horton, Product Director – mio comments:

“Slow sales progression pushed fall-through rates up to a 10-year high earlier this year, making it even more important that we took the initiative to improve the home buying process. Traditionally agents like selling but see sales progression as an administrative burden that often gets overlooked. mio removes the burden with a simple intuitive design, and helps improve communication and transparency across the property chain - it’s fantastic to see that Jamie Wallace and the Allen & Harris team are reaping the benefits as early adopters with happy customers.” 

About mio

Powered by tmgroup, mio is a sales progression and communication tool created by property experts for property experts. It speeds transactions forward, reduces fall-through rates, and helps estate agents win more business.

For more information, visit www.mio.co.uk or call us on 0800 840 5577