Significant digital change and improvement is happening and will gather momentum throughout 2026, according to a number of speakers at this year’s Conveyancing Association Annual Conference, where the representative body celebrated its 25thAnniversary.
Taking place on Thursday 12th February at a new venue, The Belfry Hotel & Resort, with Landmark Information Group once again as its Headline Sponsor, the Conference was entitled, ‘Conveyancing Under the Spotlight’, with the Association seeking analysis, viewpoints and input from a number of different sectors including, the wider property industry, consumers and digital providers.
The Conference opened with a Welcome from the CA’s Non-Executive Chair, Nicky Heathcote, who set out the Association’s current lobbying activity on behalf of members.
She highlighted ongoing work to challenge proposals to charge conveyancers for access to the Lenders’ Handbook, concerns around requirements to register as tax advisers in relation to SDLT submissions, and opposition to suggestions that interest earned on client accounts could be used to fund the justice system.
She also reflected on the recent collapse of a law group and the way in which CA members - legal, affiliate and stakeholder - worked together to support displaced staff and protect affected clients. The response, Nicky noted, was a clear example of the strength and purpose of the CA community.
Conference Chair, Eddie Goldsmith, followed with an introduction that reflected on the sector’s progress over the past two decades, and how digital solutions are now in a position to help deliver a more transparent and speedier home buying and selling process.
David Smith, Economics Editor at The Sunday Times, looked at the wider macro-economic and property picture, while Rob Gurney and the team at Landmark reviewed the trends currently shaping the residential property market.
Other panel sessions examined both the opportunities and pressures within today’s conveyancing market, including Government consultations on home buying and selling reform and the move towards upfront information, both of which are likely to result in legislative change for the sector.
There was also detailed analysis of how AI is influencing the purchase and sales process, alongside wider digital developments expected to bring significant operational change for conveyancing firms and consumers alike.
Following the Conference there was a Drinks Reception, sponsored by Stewart Title, and the evening’s Charity Dinner, with over £8,000 raised for this year’s designated charity, Parkinsons UK.
Sponsors of the 2026 Conference and Dinner were: Landmark Information Group, Legalito, Move Reports, LEAP, Forstye, Legl, InTouch, ntitle, LMS, Orbital, WMS, Post Partner, Armalytix, Dye & Durham UK, inCase, StreetSaint, Thirdfort, DUAL Title & Legal Indemnity, Tom Lyes Consultancy, Legal Eye and Howden.
Nicky Heathcote, Non-Executive Chair of The Conveyancing Association, said:
“In opening the Conference, I wanted to focus on the work we are doing right now on behalf of our members on some very pressing issues. These are not abstract debates. They go to the heart of how conveyancing firms operate and serve their clients. Also, the recent response to the collapse of a law group also sums up what the CA community stands for, and I was heartened by the strength of feeling in the room to help all those impacted.
“Another clear message from this year’s Conference was that digital change is no longer a future aim, it is happening now and it will gather pace throughout 2026. Over the past 25 years the CA has pushed for a more open, joined-up and efficient home moving process. What we heard from our speakers is the tools to support that ambition are now in place, but it will take commitment from every part of the sector to make the most of them. Conveyancers, lenders, agents, tech firms and Government must move in step if we are to see real and lasting improvement.
“We also had honest debate about the risks as well as the rewards. Reform of the home buying and selling process, the move towards more upfront information, and the growing use of AI will all shape how firms operate and how clients experience the transaction. Our role is to ensure conveyancers have a strong voice in those discussions and any change works in practice, not just in theory. If we keep the focus on better outcomes for clients, then the progress we discussed at Conference can translate into genuine change on the ground.
“I would also like to thank our Headline Sponsor, Landmark Information Group, all of our sponsors, and every panellist and delegate who joined us at The Belfry. Their support allows us to stage an event of this scale and quality, and to bring the sector together in a constructive way. I am particularly grateful for the generosity shown at our Charity Dinner, where we raised over ?8,000 for Parkinson’s UK. It is a charity very close to my heart, and the funds raised will make a real difference to those living with the condition and to the vital work the charity carries out.”
Eddie Goldsmith, Conveyancing Association Conference Chair, added:
“This year’s Conference showed how far the sector has come, but also how much work remains. Digital tools now offer real scope to improve transparency and speed within the home moving process, yet progress will depend on collaboration and a clear focus on practical delivery. It was encouraging to see such open discussion about both the opportunities and the pressures facing conveyancers today.”
