"What this year’s findings show is that the sector is embracing the opportunities offered by new technologies at pace to not only drive outcomes, but to strengthen their overall profitability."
- Elizabeth Jarvis - Landmark Information Group
Research published today by Landmark Information Group shows that 78% of residential conveyancers now use artificial intelligence (AI) to assist fee earners, doubling last year’s figure of 39%. Firms are increasingly turning to automation and AI to tackle long-standing challenges around transaction speed, workload and profitability.
Slow transaction times remain the main frustration for conveyancers (42%), and faster transactions are cited as the most important factor in improving productivity (39%). Technology is now seen as a key solution to tackling delays and improving overall process speed. When asked to rank their top three productivity measures:
34% highlighted the effective use of AI to automate routine tasks.
33% prioritised better workload management.
32% focused on digitised workflows to streamline processes.
The research shows that AI use is no longer limited to administrative tasks. Over a third (38%) now use it for client-facing activities such as preparing reports from deeds, while 25% use AI to route work to the most appropriate expertise, and 28% use it to streamline general administration.
The rapid adoption of technology is also delivering tangible benefits for conveyancing firms:
86% report improved client experience.
83% cite better risk management.
75% say automation has increased profitability.
These findings demonstrate how technology is driving compliance efficiency, revenue generation and better outcomes for homebuyers, helping firms adapt to challenging market conditions.
However, significant challenges remain. Barriers to further digital transformation include:
73% cite risk aversion.
71% point to technical issues.
68% mention cultural resistance to change.
67% note limited budgets.
The majority (92%) of conveyancers also see barriers to earlier instruction, with client reluctance to commit or pay pre-offer identified as the biggest obstacle. Separate research by Landmark has found that 71% of consumers would pay a conveyancer an upfront fee if it allowed key data to be accessed and shared more efficiently. Progress will therefore depend on addressing systemic attitudes shaping client engagement.
These issues underscore the need for greater collaboration across the property transaction process, a challenge addressed by Project 28: A Charter for Faster, More Certain Property Transactions.
The Charter, coordinated by Landmark Information Group, aims to foster cross-industry collaboration to improve communication across the chain, reduce delays, and establish a new benchmark of 28 days from sale agreed to exchange.
By enabling better use of upfront information and early instruction, Project 28 offers a clear pathway to reducing transaction times and improving certainty for conveyancers and their clients alike.
“Conveyancers have faced enormous pressure in recent years to deliver more results more efficiently, while navigating more demanding client expectations and regulatory complexity," explains Elizabeth Jarvis, divisional director of legal and search at Landmark Information Group.
"However," she adds, "what this year’s findings show is that the sector is embracing the opportunities offered by new technologies at pace to not only drive outcomes, but to strengthen their overall profitability.
“AI and digital solutions are no longer theoretical. They’re delivering real results in risk management, customer experience, and productivity. As we look ahead, the next challenge lies in overcoming the cultural and client-side barriers that continue to slow progress."
Jarvis concludes, "Through initiatives like Project 28, we have an opportunity to work together to make the transaction process more efficient, improve cross-industry collaboration, and deliver the faster, more certain transactions the market needs.”
