Unlocking the Legal Landscape: Key Takeaways from Geodesys’ CPD Webinar Day

On 2nd December 2025, Geodesys hosted a full-day online event, Unlocking the Legal Landscape, bringing together leading experts to provide residential and commercial conveyancers with critical updates, practical insights, and future-focused guidance. The sessions covered everything from legislative changes to best practice tips, ensuring attendees left equipped to navigate an evolving legal environment.

Morning Session: Commercial Leases and Environmental Due Diligence

Richard Snape opened the day with an in-depth look at the latest developments in commercial leasing. Key highlights included:

• Ban on Upwards-Only Rent Reviews: The government’s unexpected move to prohibit upwards-only rent reviews under the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill will reshape lease negotiations. While implementation is expected in 2027/28, practitioners should anticipate shorter lease terms and prepare clients for future compliance.
• ‍High Street Rental Auctions: Under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act, local authorities can auction vacant high street properties to revitalise town centres. Conveyancers must watch for designated areas and advise clients on implications for redevelopment plans.
• Service Charge Liability: The Supreme Court’s decision in Sara & Hussain v Blacks Outdoor Retail reinforces that landlords’ certificates are conclusive unless fraud or manifest error is proven. This underscores the need for robust dispute resolution clauses in commercial leases.

The session also explored energy performance standards, Building Safety Act implications for mixed-use premises, and practical advice on negotiating leases in light of sustainability requirements.

Luke Parsons from Landmark followed with a spotlight on environmental risk management in commercial transactions. His key points included:

• The importance of manual consultant reviews for complex sites.

• How climate change risk assessments are becoming integral to due diligence.

• The role of highways reports in mitigating operational risks for clients.

Afternoon Session: Residential Conveyancing – 2025 in Review

Ian Quayle of IQ Legal delivered a comprehensive review of the year’s most significant developments in residential conveyancing:

• Renters Reform Act 2025: Effective May 2026, this legislation abolishes Section 21 “no-fault” evictions and introduces assured periodic tenancies. Conveyancers must prepare for new notice periods, rent review restrictions, and compliance with enhanced tenant protections.
• Case Law Updates: From service charge disputes to restrictive covenant variations, Ian highlighted practical lessons for managing client expectations and limiting professional liability.
• TA6 and TA7 Form Revisions: With expanded explanatory notes and Building Safety Act questions, practitioners should provide sellers with clear guidance and information sheets to avoid misrepresentation claims.

Ian also shared practical tips on rights of way, boundary agreements, and defective leases, reinforcing the importance of thorough investigation and precise drafting.

Why These Insights Matter

The legal landscape for conveyancers is shifting rapidly. Legislative reforms, sustainability obligations, and evolving case law demand proactive adaptation. Events like “Unlocking the Legal Landscape” provide an invaluable forum for learning and discussion, helping professionals stay ahead of change.

Looking Ahead

Geodesys remains committed to supporting conveyancers with expert-led training and resources. If you missed this event or want to deepen your team’s knowledge:

• Contact us for bespoke training tailored to your firm’s needs.
• Register your interest for future CPD webinars and events.

Visit our events page or email events@geodesys.com to start the conversation.