In the regular quarterly update looking at the latest statistics from Landmark, Today's Conveyancer Podcast host David Opie is joined by Ben Robinson and Rob Gurney of Landmark to pore over the latest Property Trends report covering the second quarter of 2025.

This is the first opportunity to review the impact of the stamp duty deadline on 31st March 2025, with a 79% year-on-year surge in completions compared to March 2024. There was an expected dip in April, down a third year on year and the interesting inference from the stats in the quarter's report is the subdued recovery, which is ongoing now in July, says Gurney.

In the first half of the year the market is 8% up, driven by the SDLT deadline and with listing volumes up 5% on 2024 there is a desire to move; but with so many properties on the market, it's a buyer's paradise and there is much less urgency says Robinson, resulting in a realignment of asking price and reduced transaction speed.

Summary of Q2 year-on-year activity for England and Wales:

• In England and Wales listings volumes were up 5% in Q2 ‘25 compared to Q2 ‘24.
• In England and Wales SSTC volumes in Q2 ‘25 were down 7% in Q2 ‘25 compared to Q2 ‘24.
• Completion volumes, in England and Wales, were down 20% in Q2 ‘25 compared to Q2 ’24.

Listen in to this shorter podcast for the latest insight and opinion.

The Today's Conveyancer podcast can be found on your preferred podcast provider and also at www.todaysconveyancer.co.uk. Subscribe and listen in for all the latest conveyancing industry news and views.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors PEXA, and VacantC Legal Recruitment.

In this episode of the Today's Conveyancer Podcast, host David Opie is joined by Richard Flemmings, CEO and founder of Map Impact, and Oliver Baldock, Director at Ashfield Solutions. Together, they unpack the Wennington wildfire of July 2022—an event that triggered the London Fire Brigade’s busiest day since World War II—and explore its implications for the property sector.

Richard and Ollie bring specialist insight into climate risk and environmental consultancy, offering a detailed account of how the fire unfolded, why it caught experts off guard, and what it signals about the UK’s increasing exposure to climate-related hazards.

The discussion moves beyond the immediate damage to examine the long-term consequences—from land contamination and insurance gaps to the emotional toll on affected homeowners. The panel also considers the evolving role of conveyancers, the expectations set out in the Law Society’s climate guidance, and how lenders and insurers are responding to the challenge.

With climate events becoming more frequent and severe, this episode highlights the need for joined-up thinking across the property lifecycle. It’s a timely and thought-provoking conversation for professionals navigating the future of home ownership in a changing climate.

The Today's Conveyancer podcast can be found on your preferred podcast provider and also at www.todaysconveyancer.co.uk. Subscribe and listen in for all the latest conveyancing industry news and views.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors PEXA, and VacantC Legal Recruitment.

In this episode of the Today’s Conveyancer Podcast, host David Opie sits down with Louise Wise of Relatus to shed light on the complex world of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) and how proactive advice can transform outcomes for conveyancers and clients alike.

Drawing on her transition from family law solicitor to specialist in property taxation, Louise shares the journey that led her to become a leading voice in SDLT advisory. She explains how Relatus evolved from assisting consumers with business rate relief to specialising in SDLT and partnering more closely with legal professionals.

The conversation tackles the practical risks conveyancers face, especially around compliance checks, liability, and the nuances of under- or overpaying stamp duty. Louise outlines the importance of correctly identifying property types, assessing client circumstances, and understanding legislative grey areas.

They also explore overlooked considerations such as incentives on new-build properties, purchaser characteristics, and the implications of developer contributions.

With a clear focus on risk mitigation, collaboration, and accuracy, this episode is an essential listen for conveyancers seeking clarity, protection, and a more robust approach to SDLT reporting. Louise’s insights reveal why outsourcing tax advice could soon become as routine as ordering searches.

The Today's Conveyancer podcast can be found on your preferred podcast provider and also at www.todaysconveyancer.co.uk. Subscribe and listen in for all the latest conveyancing industry news and views.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors PEXA, and VacantC Legal Recruitment.