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We’ve added visibility of Commercial Corporate Ownership Data (CCOD) and Overseas Corporate Ownership Data (OCOD) to tmconvey’s Map Search – available from 7th December 2018.

What is the Commercial & Corporate Ownership Data (CCOD)? 

Commercial and Corporate Ownership Data contains more than 3.3 million title records of freehold and leasehold property in England and Wales.  

CCOD is a subset of the Land register containing data describing registered titles relating to land and property where the registered legal owner is a non-private individual and is not a charity or an overseas company.

What is the Overseas Companies Ownership Data (OCOD)? 

Overseas Companies Ownership Data contains approximately 100,000 title records, which describes titles registered to an overseas company (a company incorporated outside the UK).

How do I access these new datasets on tmconvey’s Map Search?

When CCOD or OCOD information is available against a title, a message will appear on the left-hand side of the screen, letting you know that the title has UK and/or Overseas commercial interests. 

You can then click on the available link, and Map Search will produce a summary of the information held against that title – including title details, proprietor name, company registration number and proprietorship category. 

What else can I do with these new data sets?

• Print or save to PDF

When viewing the summary of CCOD or OCOD, you will also have the option to print and/ or generate a PDF for your records. 

Please be aware, these data sets are regularly updated and so the information is subject to change. As a useful reminder, we’ll automatically add a “generated date” to every statement that is printed or saved to PDF.  

• Link directly through to the Companies House website

In a CCOD record with a company registration number, you’ll notice that the number will be hyperlinked, so you can click directly through to the relevant record on the Companies House website (where available) and do a brief look-up on company information, if you need to. 

Please note, this hyperlink is also carried through to the PDF version of the summary statement, so you can also access Companies House from there.

You can find more information about our latest Map Search enhancements here and here. 

Ahead of the new price transparency rules coming into effect on 6th December 2018, we asked the industry “Will the new rules change conveyancing for the better?”. 

We received an overwhelming response, with many saying they were confident that the new rules “make good business sense”, and should create competitive advantages for firms that promote the quality of their services alongside their prices. Yet there was a note of caution, that those who focus too heavily on price alone, risk a race to the bottom – and losing out. 

Want to find out what the regulators, media professionals, industry consultants and partners, and legal professionals have to say? Take a look… 

What do the regulators think? 

“Better information is good for clients and, if done well, can help firms too.”

Stephen Ward, Director of Strategy and External Relations, Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC)

“Potential clients might rely on word-of-mouth, referrals, or online searches to choose their conveyancer. However a buyer or seller starts their search, our new requirements will help them make an informed choice. 

We want CLC firms to succeed and we believe that providing clear information to customers makes good business sense. The changes provide CLC Practices with new opportunities to create a competitive advantage as they focus on service and quality and not just price. 

While our requirements set out what firms must do, we know that all CLC Practices are different, so we are giving them flexibility to comply with the rules in the way that best suits their business and their clients.

Better information is good for clients and, if done well, can help firms too. We are urging the firms we regulate to take a good hard look at how they position themselves in the market and to potential clients. Identifying, developing, and communicating their differences and the value they add will help potential clients know what their business offers – and why they should choose them over the competition. The changes can be a catalyst for this, but it will be up to firms to make the best advantage of them.”

“Being more transparent may give conveyancing providers a real competitive advantage.”

Chris Handford, Director of Regulatory Policy, Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

“Buying a house is the biggest and most complex financial transaction most people will make during their lives, but for many, finding the information they need to help them choose a legal professional to work with can be a hugely frustrating challenge. Time and again, users of legal services highlight price and quality as the two most important factors they consider and look for information on when choosing a provider.

That there is an appetite to shop around is clear, an SRA survey of 1,000 recent homebuyers found that two-thirds spent more than an hour researching providers. Yet only 15% were able to track down easy-to-understand information on what firms may charge them. Our new transparency rules seek to address this by asking firms to publish both prices and accessible information on the services and people that sit behind these. 

Not only is this approach good for consumers, but in a highly competitive market being more transparent may give conveyancing providers a real competitive advantage in winning new business. At the very least, publishing prices should help debunk public misconceptions that professional legal services are more expensive than they really are. Our research suggests that people think legal costs are as much as 22% higher than is actually the case.”

“The new rules will allow consumers to compare ‘apples with apples’, and increase accessibility to conveyancing providers.”

Beth Rudolf, Director of Delivery, Conveyancing Association (CA)

“We, at the CA, certainly believe the new transparency rules will deliver a number of benefits providing far greater certainty for consumers that the charges they pay will match the transaction as it has been described to them. 

The benefits, as we see them, include the fact the consumer will now be made aware of any referral fee that is applicable in the case, they’ll effectively be able to compare ‘apples with apples’ when it comes to the service on offer, and that as a result this will encourage them to buy on service rather than on a perception of what is the cheapest. 

In a general sense, we believe it will improve the process for consumers wishing to find out about the costs of conveyancing, and it will also increase the accessibility of conveyancing providers, given that consumers have found it frustratingly difficult to ascertain the true costs involved because these have not been accessible from, for example, the firm’s website. Following the introduction of these new rules next month, it will be up to the regulators to take a robust view in enforcing failures to comply and providing full cost transparency, so that consumers are not lulled into £99 ‘deals’ only to find that their final bill is closer to £1,500.”

What do legal professionals think?

"Comparison websites will not help, because a client will only be able to search against firms who pay to be on the site."

Michelle Garlick, Partner and head of the Compli team at Weightmans LLP.

Compli advises lawyers on regulation, risk and compliance 

"I remain to be convinced. In most cases a meaningful fee quote is the result of a two-way process formulated on the basis of information received from clients regarding the work required, the timescales involved and consideration of the personnel required to complete the work.

The provision of the required information on a firm’s website is unlikely to be meaningful in the absence of this process. If done properly, it could provide more of an opportunity for firms to showcase their expertise and reputation (not just focus on price). It could also raise clients’ awareness of what is involved in a property transaction and thus help to better manage clients’ expectations, but there is a risk that too much information or a long list of caveats/exclusions either becomes meaningless or more confusing for consumers. 

The danger is that there could be a race to the bottom which in turn could lead to falling standards and increased complaints. Comparison websites will not help here either because a client will only be able to search against firms who pay to be on the site."

“Price transparency only risks making the industry even more price competitive, driving down fees and consequently service.”

Suman Dally, Partner, Shoosmiths LLP

“Whilst I understand the intention, I do feel the requirement for price transparency has caused confusion and created a further distraction in an industry which has far more pressing issues around modernisation and digitalisation of the conveyancing process. 

Conveyancers generally already provide clients with a comprehensive illustration of fees and anticipated expenses but, as every transaction and clients’ needs are unique and unknown at the point of instruction, additional fees can never be quantified by either client or lawyer at the point of instruction. 

Other professions do not seem to have this need for ‘standard’ disclosure of fees if, for example, we compare ourselves to accountants. Price transparency only risks making the industry even more price competitive, driving down fees and consequently service for under-valued and complex work in an ever more demanding consumer market – something which many conveyancers are not yet geared to offer. Low margins have already driven expert people out of residential conveyancing, which has resulted in a skills shortage, inevitably contributing to slower transactions. 

Price transparency will not fix the current challenges with the conveyancing industry. As conveyancers, we need to be more consumer aware in our dealings with clients, and be more inward looking. We need to review our processes and procedures and invest in technology to offer consumers better, digital access to information, to enhance the home buying process – something price transparency will not change. Price is also only one metric to enable consumers to make an informed choice. Fee transparency in isolation does not enable clients to make informed choices based upon the capability of the firm being considered, its service or claims record.”

“It’s a fine line between providing enough helpful information and overwhelming the reader.”

Megan Jenkins, Professional Support Lawyer, Shakespeare Martineau LLP

“Information is power and helping the public and small businesses to understand the legal services that protect their own interests is unquestionably a good idea. Many people only use lawyers a few times in their lives and so are not familiar with the issues and options. We are all busy, so moving the initial explanation of services onto lawyers’ websites should help more lawyer-client relationships start well.  

Understanding what is involved in a service before buying helps potential clients to judge what is offered. There are many kinds of legal providers, and different approaches will suit different people. The problem for lawyers is the complexity of a legal process is hard to explain clearly, especially before we know much about a client’s circumstances. 

It’s a fine line between providing enough helpful information and overwhelming the reader. Big differences between matters may not be obvious to someone outside the legal sector. All the same, this is a positive step and I hope that these changes will inform consumers so they can choose a suitable level of service and the right professionals to help them.”

“The new rules should help with enquiry conversions from clients.”

Rebecca Swain, Partner and Head of Residential Conveyancing, Thomson Snell & Passmore LLP

“I am fully in favour of providing clients with full costs transparency at the outset of a transaction and we have been doing so for as long as I can remember. The new rules require us to publish pricing details on our website; however there are a host of variables that will affect a transaction, which makes it almost impossible to provide an accurate fixed price without discussing the transaction with our clients first.   

It is important that clients consider what is covered in the base fee quote provided. Some law firms will include items as part of their standard retainer (for example acting for a lender on a purchase, processing SDLT returns etc…) whilst others will list separate charges for handling these.  This needs to be made very clear to enable the potential client to make their choice on a full like-for-like basis.

Decisions should also not be based on price alone. It is important to establish the level of service to be offered and the qualification and experience of the person(s) handling the transaction. Both can have a significant impact on the transaction and how it progresses.

The new rules will enable clients to view general details of the charging structure of a firm, which in return should help with enquiry conversions. However, I am still a firm believer in picking up the telephone to discuss a new transaction.  Only then can you be guaranteed an accurate initial quote and an indication of service.”

What do media professionals, and industry consultants and partners think?

“The younger generation (your clients one day) are looking for 24/7 access and immediate responses.”

Rob Hailstone, CEO, Bold Legal Group (BLG)

“The new Pricing and Transparency rules, very few want them and most will think they will drive legal fees down. I go to a lot of conferences and seminars and watch a lot of webinars (part of the job) and I don’t believe that has to be the case. I have even read (and have available) a Counsel’s Opinion on the rules. The question is, do you want to do the bare minimum to comply or use your website and the rules as an opportunity to try to win more, well paid work?

As much as the next person, I sometimes question change for changes sake, but when it is inevitable I try to embrace it and, to be honest, use it (as a businessman) to my advantage. My advice is, look at all the possible solutions and then make your decision. However, don’t forget, that the younger generation (your clients one day) are looking for 24/7 access and immediate responses. Maybe you should provide them with what they want?”

“We mustn’t lose sight of the fact that this isn’t just about price – otherwise we risk a race to the bottom which benefits no one.” 

Joe Pepper, CEO, tmgroup

“Providing the consumer with all the information to make informed choices around which service proposition best meets their needs is clearly something that all professionals within the property transaction marketplace should be aiming for. It is something that we at tmgroup have been championing for some time through our technology platforms.

It is important however that we don’t lose sight of the fact that this isn’t just about price, but that it more crucially is around the holistic service proposition, otherwise we risk a race to the bottom which doesn’t benefit either the consumer or the industry. A cheap service that makes mistakes, incurs unnecessary disbursements, and delays the transaction to the point where it risks falling through is not a good outcome for anybody. 

We have been working closely with our conveyancing partners to develop ways of delivering transparency around the actual service, which I believe will ultimately represent the step forward in consumer experience that the regulators and the industry are both seeking to deliver.”

“The best will use it as a chance to explain what they do and flesh out the value a good law firm adds.”

Eduardo Reyes, Commissioning and Features Editor, The Law Society Gazette

“Is the market only working if people are shopping around for the best deal? Competition authorities and modern professional regulators certainly think so, and law firms and clients are therefore invited to ignore the fact that economists have known since the 1930s… that markets actually never work so straightforwardly. 

I’ve spoken to firms as they prepare to publish price information. They range from firms that already have a conveyancing fees ‘calculator’ on their website, to those whose high-end part of the market is not especially price-sensitive. All those firms have to find ways to include caveats to the quotes given – there is a tension between the regulator view that this is a ‘commoditised’ service, and the reality that no two transactions are the same. 

The worst examples give a quote that’s hard to ‘read’ the component parts of if you’re not a legal or property professional, and attach caveats that sound more like a warning. The best examples use it as a chance to explain what they do – to flesh out the value a good law firm adds, and the fact this is an individual service. 

If all firms met the standard of those who have done it best, would clients shop around more? Probably not, but it’s still a good thing to do. 

 “Firms will open up an online channel that could increase contact and improve market share”

Craig Campbell, Product Director – tmconnect, tmgroup

“Firms should see publishing prices as a real business development opportunity to engage with consumers and help them to understand the value of the firm’s proposition, and not purely a compliance issue. Instead of the traditional methods of phone calls or face-to-face visits, home movers are now seeking digital channels to find quotes online in the evenings and on the weekends, when they are not at work. 

By publishing price information online, firms will open up an online channel that could help them benefit from increased contact and improved market share in an increasingly competitive market.

When clients feel looked after and have a good experience, they are more likely to go back to the firm for other work, from generating a quote all the way through to the completion of the work, being able to improve efficiency in the firm and communicate via multiple channels.”

“The benefits will stand or fall based on the up-front case made by introducers and conveyancers for the value they represent”

Richard Hinton, Director, Pitsford Consulting Ltd

“I think the new price transparency rules will change conveyancing for the better, and I think in time firms will come to welcome their introduction for three principal reasons:

1. They are being nudged into line with how the market increasingly wants to engage with mainstream private client services. Those that embrace it most fully will see the best results. Firms that adopt a "what can we get away with?" approach either already serve niche markets, or will simply widen the competitive gap between them and their professional peers who do embrace these changes.

2. The benefits to clients of paying referral fees will stand or fall based on the up-front case made by introducers and conveyancers for the value they represent. I don't think it'll be enough to say "we're passing on a marketing cost that we incur" if there isn't a discernible client benefit to go with it.

3. Price transparency is encouraging firms to look for more service and performance data that contextualises price. This has hitherto largely been ignored, but this new catalyst is already bringing forward innovative datasets from bodies such as HMLR and Trustpilot, which is improving the range of comparable data. Firms that argue strongly that price isn't an accurate measure of the value they supply can now make the wider case using solutions like ours.“ 

“Managing online reputations and reviews will be a crucial part of a firm’s marketing considerations moving forward.”

Chris Harris, Managing Director of Lawyer Checker and the Practical Vision Network

“Although many within the legal sector are reticent about the upcoming changes to price and service transparency, it should make it easier for consumers to make informed decisions on their buying choices.

It will become imperative for conveyancers to consider how they will demonstrate their added value and expertise to the client. Those that fail to consider the services they offer and why their price is justified because of their experience will result in an inevitable race to the bottom by focusing their attention on the competitive price they can offer. Managing online reputations and reviews will be a crucial part of a firm’s marketing considerations moving forward.

Businesses that implement the relevant changes effectively, and carefully consider the unique selling point they offer their potential clients, should create: a competitive market, offer better value and service for money and decrease consumer complaints.”

What do you think about the new transparency rules?

Got an opinion you’d like to share? Tweet us @TM_Property

It’s that time of year again… The return of Philip Hammond and the red box. So what’s in store for the housing market? Fighting for position with Brexit, it was touch and go as to whether it would even make it onto the agenda – but thankfully it did.

As always, the question will be “is it enough?”. tmgroup’s Chief Financial Officer, Tony Bobath, takes a look…

Stamp duty relief is being extended for first time buyers
On Monday, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that he was planning to build on the momentum developed amongst first time buyers by extending the stamp duty relief to shared ownership properties with a value of up to £500,000, with the relief being applied retrospectively to the end of last year.

This should provide a nice boost to first time buyers using the more flexible ownership schemes now in place, particularly in regions where property is more expensive.

More money available for the Housing Infrastructure Fund
A further £500m is being made available for the Housing Infrastructure Fund, aiming to get more new homes built in the areas of greatest demand as the Chancellor is pushing to increase the supply of homes, in particular starter homes and social housing.
Anything that helps unlock land for development and gets houses being built is good news, so again this investment is to be welcomed.

Other points
The Chancellor made reference to a number of other points in his speech or immediately in the debate that followed, which have a direct impact upon the housing market. He wants to consult on stamp duty for overseas buyers, the Help to Buy Scheme will be extended out to 2023, small land medium housebuilders will be able to call on additional bank guarantees to give them greater confidence, and he is reviewing the tax relief applied to rental income where the owner is in shared occupancy with the tenant.

He also has tried to address “austerity” by making the working population feel a little bit better off, particularly in Middle England, through significant increases in personal allowances.

So there are some changes which will help the housing market. However, one budget was never going to change the fortunes of a market that is so shaped by consumer confidence; and never could this be truer than today where we are faced with the huge uncertainties presented by Brexit. Maybe we will think differently in 12 months’ time assuming we land smoothly from the divorce from our European partners and have another nice boost to the housing market and are all feeling a little bit better off with further consumer stimuli.


About tmgroup  

As a leading IT solutions provider, tmgroup are the experts in innovative solutions that enable simplification and automation across the breadth of the property transaction. tmgroup’s customers extend to conveyancing solicitors, mortgage lenders, estate agents and developers.   

Key services:   

> tmconvey : Property searches are an integral part of tmconvey, along with insurance and risk  management tools. With its simple, integrated design, it cuts the time and effort it takes to complete the conveyancing transaction.    

> tmconnect : tmconnect is a cloud based transactional hub, providing a joined up workflow for  estate agents, mortgage lenders and conveyancers to access and share transactions securely.

> tmcore : tmcore is an online property data hub for local authorities and other search providers,  linking conveyancers to local authorities for faster land data without incurring unnecessary fees or being bound by complicated systems. 

> tmconvey Premium : tmconvey Premium is a specialist service for commercial real estate  lawyers. Benefits include Premium Terms & Conditions, up to £20 million PI cover per claim, and a managed portfolio service.   

> Property Searches Scotland : Property Searches Scotland are part of the tmgroup family and from our offices in Glasgow we offer a full range of property searches for residential, commercial and remortgage  conveyancing across all of Scotland's 32 council areas.  

> mio:  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.

The company has 140 employees and is headquartered in Swindon – and has recently achieved ISO 27001 accreditation.

tmgroup have also acquired a majority share in Conveyancing Data Services (CDS) – a conveyancing search provider with over 100 years' combined experience within the property search market.

For more information, visit www.tmgroup.co.uk 

If you have any questions or would like additional information or interviews, please contact Megan Jones on megan.jones@tmgroup.co.uk

Terrafirma have advised us that they will be making some changes to their pricing on 1st September 2018. 

This includes price increases for a select number of site size bandings on their Coal Extra reports, as well as the introduction of a new site size banding for their Assess reports. 

These changes will be applied automatically to any orders made on tmconvey on or after 1st September.

You can find the full details in the table below: 

If you have any questions, please contact your Account Manager, or get in touch with our friendly Helpdesk team on 0800 840 5571 or email helpdesk@tmgroup.co.uk

The Law Society is making some important new changes with respect to Mining and Natural Ground Perils which will be covered in the soon to be released 25th Edition of its Conveyancing Handbook. 

Mining and ground report specialist, Terrafirma, is launching a three-part coffee-break webinar series to ensure that you have all of the relevant information at your fingertips. 

Starting on Tuesday 11th September and led by Terrafirma CEO, Tom Backhouse, they will be no more than 15 minutes in length and are designed to give you all of the necessary information including what the changes are, how they impact you and what the benefits are to you and your clients.  

Please register your interest and attendance for each webinar via the following links. A download of the webinar will be made available to pre-registered attendees following each event.

Part 1 : Important Changes to The Law Society Conveyancing Law Handbook

Time : 11am (BST) 

Date : Tuesday 11th September 2018

Click here to register

2. Introducing the Ground Report 

Time : 11am (BST)

Date : Thursday 13th September 2018

Click here to register

3. The Ground Report, a Step-by-Step Overview 

Time : 11am BST

Date : Tuesday 18 September 2018

Click here to register

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Please note you can also include this webinar attendance in your Annual Compliance Declaration to the SRA.

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

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

We recently attended ‘The Future of Real Estate Summit’ in Liverpool. Hosted by Estates Gazette, the broad agenda discussed everything from affordable housing and the impact of HS2, to the positive returns of investing in culture and digitisation.

It quickly became clear that cities have a vital role to play in addressing the housing crisis and attracting investment for New Build developments. Here are just some of the talking points from the day’s events…

The housing crisis cannot be solved simply by building more houses 

The fact that the housing crisis cannot be solved in isolation was a key topic of discussion. With a general consensus that addressing this issue isn’t just about building more houses, it’s about creating spaces where businesses and housing projects can coexist and thrive.  

To succeed in attracting businesses, retaining talent and attracting investment for housing and commercial projects, there are a number of factors cities need to get right – from investing in digital infrastructure (such as fibre and broadband) to creating a strong cultural identity and “sense of place”. 

There also needs to be a focus on supporting transport links across the city, through the provision of buses and efficient road networks – so people can travel to local jobs just as easily as they can travel outside the city on motorways and trains. 

By embracing these opportunities, cities can not only offer more housing, they can make sure that homes and businesses are filled with people who can contribute to the growth and success of the area. In turn, this will attract more businesses, more people, and even more investors willing and able to invest in commercial and residential property. 

Where cities are getting this right, everyone stands to benefit – from estate agents having more properties to work with, to conveyancers winning more new business. The key is for everyone to communicate with one another regularly, so that all businesses can be primed to take advantage of new opportunities as they come into the city. 

Liverpool offer a fantastic example of this – especially the way they’ve been “riding the wave” of winning European Capital of Culture in 2008 to drive growth and investment over the last decade. 

The UK continues to attract foreign investors – but cities must play their part in ensuring they offer a recognisable and attractive offering

The impact of Brexit couldn’t be overlooked, and there was a sense of optimism in the room as Susan Caldwell from the Department for Trade & Investment said: “The UK continues to attract foreign investors who see the UK as a stable, regulated environment with a strong legal system. This is supported by the fact that it takes on average of just 13 days to set up a business in the UK.”

For individual cities to benefit however, County Councils must present themselves in a way that the investment community recognises. This requires a focused approach of identifying 2 to 3 areas where the city could attract investment – and then promoting these opportunities as early as possible. For example, by including the proposition in brochures for overseas investors. 

Showing a willingness to not only find the right investor, but to be flexible in working together can also help to move projects forward in a way that benefits everyone. It is equally important that these conversations extend to the conveyancers and estate agents involved, so they are primed to manage the influx in work – and the local community can make use of any new space as quickly as possible. 

We must rethink how we use failing retail space to help address the housing shortage

Land use is an ongoing challenge across the UK, with careful thought and planning needed to strike a positive balance of commercial and residential space. However, the shift towards online shopping has resulted in the UK simply having too much retail space.  

With the country crying out for more housing, we can’t afford to leave this space empty – and mixed-use space is set to become the norm as investors look to make the most return on their property by supplying housing and offices, alongside the preservation of some retail space. 

Diversity is key to developing cities that support different lifestyles and generations 

Diversification isn’t just about creating different types of homes, it’s also about thinking about how spaces work to support different lifestyles and generations within the same city. For example, making sure there are residential properties situated near bars and restaurants, but also in quieter areas with parks and schools. 

This is where estate agents and conveyancers also have a role to play in sharing their knowledge of the local area. By identifying a strong demand for retirement properties (for example), they can help to support a strong case for an investment opportunity, whilst also addressing the real needs of people in that particular city. 

Sometimes, creating a thriving city is also about pushing back on prime investment opportunities for “yet another tower block” and thinking about what gives an area life. A key example of this is Boxpark Croydon that helped to give new life to the area by engaging the community and creating a strong sense of place. 

Entirely constructed out of refitted shipping containers, Boxpark also highlighted the potential of alternative building processes and materials – and  raised the question of exploring new building methods to meet the challenge of providing affordable housing.

The public and private sectors can work together to regenerate cities

A key point reiterated across ‘The Future of Real Estate Summit’ was the scope for collaboration, and the benefit this can bring to everyone who embraces it.

There are ample opportunities for the private and public sector to work together that private investors must take advantage of. A key example of this way HS2. Whilst it is undoubtedly an enabler of change, it is up to the local councils and businesses to collaborate to make the most of these opportunities, as Tom Venner, Head of Property Development, High Speed 2 (HS2) commented: “Developers shouldn’t be afraid to collaborate with the Government to help unlock the potential in an area, as there are huge opportunities for growth. The Government are willing and able to work with Developers to help solve housing issues – and the people, skills and money are there to unlock these opportunities."  

As the conference came to a close, it was hard to ignore the passion in the room, as well as the opportunities that await if we choose to move forward together to create places that not only exist, but thrive. 

Want to have your say?

Why not join our Property Hubs taking place this July across Northampton, Liverpool, Leeds, Southampton, Bristol and Cardiff. Or get in touch about hosting one near you! Click here for more information and to register. 

Is New Build work on the rise in your local area?

Our New Build Managed Service can help to save your team time by ordering searches and managing data provider queries on your behalf. Click here for more information.

Groundsure have been awarded the licence for Cheshire Brine data from the Cheshire Brine Subsidence Compensation Board. This will take effect from 1st June 2018. 

As the new sole provider of Cheshire Brine data, Groundsure have also announced a Cheshire Salt Search report in partnership with the Cheshire Brine Subsidence Compensation Board. 

Click here to see a sample report 

The report is for residential and commercial properties - and will be available to order on tmconvey from 1st June. 

You will not need to purchase both a CON29 Coal Mining Report and a Cheshire Salt Search - except for two areas on a small section of the Cheshire and Staffordshire borders where an overlap between coalfields and Cheshire Salt occurs, which you can view here.

You can see the pricing for the new Cheshire Salt Search below:

The Cheshire Salt Search is mandatory for property transactions within the Compensation District – and includes details of whether the property lies within a statutory consultation area, past damage claims, commutation payments and future claims cover.

What about the CON29M and other reports?

As Cheshire Brine data will no longer be licenced to the Coal Authority, any CON29M reports ordered from the Coal Authority will not contain information about Cheshire Brine.

To reflect this, Cheshire Brine search alerts on tmconvey will also switch from CON29M to Cheshire Salt Search (GSCHSALT).

Terrafirma: There will be no noticeable change to Terrafirma’s Coal Extra report. They will simply source their Cheshire Brine data from Groundsure from 1st June 2018 onwards.

PlanVal: Planval have confirmed that they are removing Cheshire Brine from their Coal Mining and Non-Coal mining searches:

> PVMCC – Planval Mining Coal with Opinion (Commercial)

> PVMCR - Planval Mining Coal with Opinion (Residential)

> PVMNCC - Planval Non- Coal Mining with Opinion (Commercial)

> PVMNCR - Planval Non- Coal Mining with Opinion (Residential)

If you have any questions, or have any concerns about how these changes may affect any other reports you order, please get in touch with your Account Manager, or contact Helpdesk on 0844 249 9200.

As part of their annual product review, Argyll have advised us that they will be increasing prices across 6 of their reports on 11th May 2018. 

They will also be retiring their Estate Solutions Brief report. 

These changes will be implemented automatically on the tmconvey platform, and will be reflected in any new orders from 11th May 2018.

Find details below:

Price changes:

Estate Solutions Brief : Retired as of 11th May 2018:

Argyll will also be retiring ‘Estate Solutions Brief’, so we’ve put together some alternative products, also available to order on tmconvey: 

Argyll Site Solutions Residence

This product can be ordered for:

> Residential properties 
> Landed estates (only <10ha as size limit) 

Argyll Estate Solutions Farm

This product can be ordered for:

> Agricultural land/farms
> Any Landed estates

Groundsure Agricultural 

This product can be ordered for:

> Farming sites

If you have any questions, please contact our Helpdesk on 0844 2499200 or email helpdesk@tmgroup.co.uk