Dev Assist

We had a great day yesterday at the Bold Legal Group Conveyancing Conference & Soirée.

Maria Leivars attended on behalf of DevAssist, joining conveyancers, property professionals and industry experts for a valuable day of insight, discussion and networking.

With ongoing change across the property sector, the conference provided an important opportunity to hear different perspectives on the challenges facing conveyancing firms and the clients they support.

Thank you to Bold Legal Group for hosting such a strong event, and to everyone who took the time to connect with Maria throughout the day and evening.

It was also great to catch up with Lara Squires of Consortium - more than marketing, Grant Sanders, Bob Bastian and Noel Martin of Stephen Rimmer Solicitors, Jeremy Dorkins and Lianne Lolley of On Point Data, Nick Ball, and many more.

Meet Dominic Haigh, Associate Director here at DevAssist.

For the past 14 years, Dominic has helped property professionals understand what they can't always see.

From planning policy and development risk to land acquisition and future change, his role at DevAssist is all about helping conveyancers and property lawyers uncover information that could make a real difference to their clients.

With a Master's degree in Building Surveying and experience spanning both report writing and client support, Dominic brings a unique blend of technical expertise and practical insight. When he's not helping clients navigate development risk, you'll usually find Dominic exploring somewhere off the beaten track on his mountain bike.

Tomorrow, Maria Leivars will be attending the Bold Legal Group Conveyancing Conference & Soirée.

With conveyancing facing growing pressure, rising expectations and constant change, events like this matter. They create space for proper discussion about the issues shaping the sector, from risk and compliance to client service, technology and the future of property transactions.

Maria is looking forward to hearing the latest insight, joining the conversation and connecting with others across the conveyancing and property community.

If you are attending, please do come and say hello.

A property purchase is rarely just about the building itself.

The outlook, surrounding land, neighbouring plots, access roads, nearby commercial premises and future planning activity can all affect how a property is enjoyed, valued and eventually sold.

In our latest guest blog, Caroline Roberjot, Partner at Harbottle & Lewis, looks at why development risk should be treated as a key part of property due diligence.

The article explores the risks buyers may not always see at first glance, from allocated development land and permitted development schemes to infrastructure projects, changes of use and neighbouring construction.

It also considers the potential impact on value, mortgageability, marketability and physical damage, as well as the practical steps buyers, lenders and solicitors can take to get a clearer picture before exchange.

Read the full article on our website here: https://bit.ly/4vFrhKn

Thank you to Caroline for sharing her insight on an issue that can have a very real impact on buyers, particularly where the setting, view or surrounding area forms part of the property’s value!

Fun fact of the month!

Nearly one in three UK property sales agreed through estate agents never complete. An accepted offer may feel like progress, but until contracts are exchanged, the deal remains vulnerable.

It's why due diligence matters. The information uncovered during a transaction can change decisions, uncover risks and ultimately determine whether a sale goes ahead.

A deal is not done until contracts are exchanged!

By the time a planning issue comes to light, the client may have already exchanged contracts, completed the purchase, or committed significant investment.

That is why development risk deserves greater attention during the conveyancing process. Not all planning and development risks appear in standard search results, yet they can have a significant impact on a property's future value, enjoyment and marketability.

As development pressures continue to grow across the UK, understanding what may be happening around a property is becoming just as important as understanding the property itself.

Standard search results should not be treated as the full picture. Over 45% of DevAssist reports identify a high-risk development site close to the property, giving lawyers clearer insight into risks that may otherwise be missed. Click the link below to learn more.

https://bit.ly/34kvmN3

When carrying out commercial property due diligence, the biggest risk is not always what is already there. It is what could happen next.

A neighbouring development, a change in planning policy or a future land allocation can have a significant impact on how a property is occupied, valued, financed and ultimately sold.

The challenge is that these risks often remain hidden until much later in the transaction, when options become limited and costs increase. As planning and development pressures continue to grow, understanding the wider context around a site is becoming increasingly important.

DevAssess Premium Commercial gives property lawyers, investors, businesses and lenders a clearer view of the planning and development factors that could affect a site, providing commercial insight into how those risks may impact business operations, asset value and future exit planning. That is why the report is increasingly used to support commercial property transactions, with lenders relying on its findings to make better informed decisions. For property lawyers, it should be seen as a key part of proper due diligence.

To see how DevAssess Premium Commercial can support your next transaction or strategic decision, visit our website.

Nearly half of people say moving house is more stressful than divorce, with the uncertainty of the process outweighing the move itself.

A recent Legal & General survey found homebuyers faced an average of more than £1,800 in unexpected costs they hadn't budgeted for - a reminder that property transactions are about more than legal processes. They're about helping people navigate one of life's biggest decisions with confidence.

The earlier risks, costs and potential issues are identified, the fewer surprises there are later.

An interesting read from Today's Conveyancer below.

https://todaysconveyancer.co.uk/homebuyers-spend-1800-hidden-moving-costs-lg-survey-reveals/

On Friday, DevAssist had a fantastic afternoon at The Grand Hotel for the latest Brighton Best of British Events.

It was a brilliant opportunity to spend time with professionals from across the local business and property community. It was great to hear from Harry Redknapp, who brought plenty of stories, humour and insight to the room.

Thank you to the Brighton Best of British Events team for another excellent afternoon. We were delighted to be part of it!

Thanks to all of the guests who joined us on our table, including Madeleine Harvey, Conveyancing Executive at DMH Stallard LLP, Abigail McMillan, Real Estate Associate at DMH Stallard LLP, and Simon Black, Technical Property Director at Taylor Rose.

Earlier this week, Paul Addison caught up with Lara Squires, Managing Director at Consortium - more than marketing, and Chris Green, Director and Co-founder at Destin Chandler Hawkins Chartered Surveyors.

Over lunch, they discussed how DevAssist and Destin Chandler Hawkins Chartered Surveyors could work together, including potential partnership opportunities and shared areas of interest across the property sector.

Thank you to Lara for helping arrange the lunch. It was a fantastic afternoon and a great opportunity to explore how both businesses could support each other moving forward!