Conveyancing remains one of the most critical stages in the property transaction process, yet delays continue to frustrate both professionals and clients. Landmark’s latest market research report – Paving the way for smarter residential conveyancing in 2026 – highlights the key issues slowing transactions and shares practical strategies that are already delivering positive results for law firms.
The challenge: slow transactions
Recent data has shown that slow property transaction times remain one of the biggest frustrations for conveyancers with 42% citing delays as their top pain point. Faster completions are seen as the most important factor in improving productivity, and firms are increasingly searching for solutions to tackle these challenges.
Landmark’s latest market research report explores how technology and better processes are helping to overcome these barriers, backed by data from multiple property professionals across the UK.
AI and technology leading the way
One of the findings from the research is the rapid increase in law firms using AI to support fee earners. Adoption has doubled in just one year, rising from 39% in 2024 to 78% in 2025. This surge highlights a major shift in how firms are leveraging technology to improve efficiency and client service simultaneously.
Alongside this, 35% of conveyancers now cite digital transformation and AI as key influences this year – up from 19% last year. This growth underlines the confidence in AI-driven tools to reduce admin, maximise workflows, and free up fee earners for higher-value tasks.
What matters most to conveyancers
When asked what would make the biggest positive impact on productivity and business success, 39% of conveyancers pointed towards faster transactions, making speed the top priority. This isn’t surprising as delays in property transactions create frustration for clients and inefficacies for firms.
The full picture
This article only scratches the surface of what the full report reveals. Beyond strategies, the report provides a comprehensive view of the current situation in conveyancing, the shift towards being more digital and barriers that prevent some firms from embracing technology. It explains why resistance persists, even as client expectations continue to rise and efficiency becomes critical. As Rob Gurney, Managing Director at Ochresoft comments:
“Technology speeds up conveyancing not by adding more tools, but by enabling more efficient ways of working. When firms pair digital solutions with redesigned processes – streamlined onboarding, upfront information sharing, automated validated tools, and clearer workflows – they remove the friction that causes delays. Real transformation happens when lawyers embrace the mindset shift needed to let technology do the heavy lifting.”
The message heavily reinforces that adapting to change is important. Law firms that modernise key steps and adopt smarter tools are well positioned to reduce delays, strengthen client communication, and keep pace with regulations, and meet market expectations.
