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Tackling the UK Surveyor Shortage: Can Tech Save the Property Market?

18 June 2025

Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
The UK’s shortage of qualified surveyors risks delaying valuations and disrupting property transactions. New technology, including artificial intelligence, automated valuation tools and digital reporting systems, could improve efficiency while allowing surveyors to focus on cases requiring professional judgement.

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Where Homes Sell Fast — And Where They Don’t

27 May 2025

Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
The speed at which homes sell varies significantly across the UK, with local demand, pricing and investor activity all influencing market times. Understanding conditions in your area and preparing the legal paperwork early can help you approach your move with realistic expectations.

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Why 30% of Property Transactions Fail – And How to Avoid It

1 May 2025

Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Property transactions can collapse because of delayed paperwork, legal issues discovered late and poor communication between the parties involved. Preparing documents early, providing information upfront and instructing a conveyancer promptly can help reduce delays and minimise the risk of a sale falling through.

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Can Commonhold Ownership Take Hold in the UK

8 April 2025

Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Commonhold offers an alternative to leasehold by allowing flat owners to own their homes outright while sharing responsibility for managing communal areas. Although it could provide greater control and transparency, legal, financial and practical barriers have limited its adoption.

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Conveyancing Market: Rebound in 2024-25

12 March 2025

Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
The residential conveyancing market began recovering in 2024 following two years of contraction, supported by an increase in property transactions and renewed consumer confidence. However, declining practitioner numbers and the growth of volume-based providers continue to reshape the sector.

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Confidence in the UK Housing Market Declines Amid Rising Costs

26 February 2025

Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Confidence in the UK housing market has weakened as rising mortgage payments, rents and household expenses place greater pressure on buyers and homeowners. Affordability concerns may affect when people move, how much they can borrow and the type of property they choose.

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Could Spain’s Property Tax Crackdown Boost the UK Housing Market?

31 January 2025

Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Proposed restrictions on non-EU property buyers in Spain created uncertainty for British purchasers considering overseas holiday homes and investments. The measures could redirect some demand towards UK coastal and countryside properties as buyers explore alternatives closer to home.

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Property Market Reacts to UK House Price Surge

13 December 2024

Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
UK house prices recorded their strongest monthly increase in more than two years, supported by improved household finances, resilient employment and steady mortgage activity. Despite this recovery, affordability pressures and changes to Stamp Duty were expected to influence buyer behaviour and transaction levels.

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UK Housing Market Sees Promising Recovery Following Budget Announcement

22 November 2024

Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
The UK housing market showed signs of recovery following the Budget announcement, supported by improving buyer confidence, mortgage activity and expectations of greater market stability. However, affordability pressures and the effect of policy changes continued to influence buyers and sellers.

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