The recent case of a fraudulent transfer of 1.2 million (GBP) using the identity of a Kensington homeowner provides a salient reminder of the risk of fraud in lending. As the body that registers land and property in England and Wales, the Land Registry plays an important role in property transactions and preventing fraud. Part of this role is to check that the person registering a title is the true owner. Lenders heavily rely on this information when deciding whether to accept a mortgage application.

A new report by Deloitte looking at the future of the legal profession found that around 114,000 jobs in the legal sector are likely to become automated in the next 20 years.

The three per cent rise in stamp duty land tax (SDLT) on second homes and Buy to Let properties introduced in George Osborne?s budget have been in effect since the beginning of April. The rise in SDLT was met with dismay among market commentators at the time of the announcement due to its likely impact on the private rented sector (PRS) ? with no exemption being provided to large-scale investors.

With implementation of additional stamp duty approaching, leading property risk management expert urges risk management diligence

The number of traditional lenders introducing stricter criteria for conveyancers wishing to join their legal panels is growing month by month. Metro Bank and Newcastle Building Society are just two of an increasing band of lenders to set more stringent requirements for any law firms wishing to join their conveyancing panels.