Why upfront property data is the future of conveyancing

In a major shake up to the housing industry, the UK government is reforming the home-buying and selling process by requiring sellers to provide standardised, upfront property data at the point of listing. This is the most significant transformation to the conveyancing industry in decades.

For years, the process has been largely reactive. Currently a typical property search is commissioned after an offer has been accepted, with the focus firmly on obtaining information later in a transaction which can slow down the process and even halt proceedings. The market is increasingly moving towards a future where trusted property information is available much earlier in the transaction process. The emphasis is shifting from uncovering risks late in the journey to identifying them upfront, before a buyer makes a commitment, helping to keep transactions moving. For property professionals, this represents more than a procedural change. It signals a fundamental shift in how information is valued, shared and consumed.

What this means for the search industry

Historically, success in the searches sector has often been measured by turnaround times and operational efficiency.

Yesterday's Question was:

"How quickly can I get a search?"

Tomorrow's Question is:

"Can I trust and rely on this data?"

As transactions become more data-driven, consumers expect greater transparency, and the value of accurate, reliable and digitally accessible property information continues to grow. Conveyancers remain vital to this process, applying their expertise to interpret data, identify risks and guide clients towards informed decisions. The industry's focus is moving beyond search fulfilment towards risk identification, certainty, defensibility and trusted source data.

The Rise of Upfront Data

The concept of upfront information is rapidly gaining momentum across the conveyancing landscape.

The objective is clear: provide buyers, sellers and their advisers with a more complete understanding of a property before a transaction progresses too far. By making key information available earlier, the industry can reduce avoidable delays, minimise surprises and create a more transparent home-moving experience.

For drainage and water information, this presents a significant opportunity.

This data plays a crucial role in understanding a property's risks, responsibilities and connectivity. Drainage and water is exactly the type of trusted information that government, regulators and industry groups increasingly expect to be available earlier in the transaction process.

The move towards upfront information is not simply about speed. It is about improving certainty.

While parts of the industry are preparing for this shift, Geodesys has been investing in trusted drainage and water intelligence for years.

Our CON29DW services already provide authoritative information from trusted sources. Enabling conveyancers to make informed decisions with confidence. As expectations around upfront information continue to develop, the value of this data only becomes more apparent.

Our involvement in industry initiatives, such as Project 28, our strong relationships across the water sector and our ongoing commitment to data quality place us in a strong position to support the next phase of conveyancing reform.

The future market will increasingly rely on information that is:

• Trusted and authoritative

• Reusable throughout the transaction

• Digitally consumable

• Available at the earliest possible stage

• Backed by clear provenance and accountability

These principles have long been embedded in Geodesys' approach.

We are therefore gearing up to evolve from “a producer of CON29DW reports” to “a provider of trusted drainage and water intelligence, delivered as reports, reusable datasets and embedded transaction services.”

As the conveyancing market evolves, Geodesys is ready to help shape what comes next: a more transparent, data-led property transaction process where trusted drainage and water intelligence supports better decisions from the very start. Throughout this transition, we will continue to support conveyancers with authoritative data, expert guidance and dependable service, helping them adapt with confidence.

Written by Jonny Davey,

Head of Business Development - Conveyancing