Climate risk and conveyancing consultation

Navigating the potential risks of climate change can be challenging.

You told us you need:

• greater clarity on how climate risk affects your conveyancing practice
• practical guidance that is easy to use and fits into your existing workflow

What we’re doing

April 2023

In April 2023 we published our climate change guidance for solicitors and firms.

We received feedback from members asking for more clarity on how climate risk affects conveyancing.

In response, we started work on a climate risk and conveyancing practice note.

This new practice note will complement our practice notes on flood risk and contaminated land.

We engaged groups with an interest in conveyancing and climate change to understand how a new practice note can help members. This included local law societies and conveyancing associations.

September 2024

We launched a consultation to explore how a new climate risk and conveyancing practice note could help you.

We wanted to find out more about the challenges you face when advising clients on climate risks and what further support you need.

The consultation ran from 17 September to 31 October 2024. Thank you to everyone who took part.

The consultation revealed:

• 76% of respondents feel unable to confidently discuss climate risks with their clients
• 72% of respondents would be interested in more training or resources

Conversations with clients on climate risk

• 24% said they always raise climate risk with their clients
• 18% said they often raise climate risk
• 21% said they sometimes raise climate risk
• 35% said they never raise climate risk

Common challenges

• 73% of respondents highlighted a lack of client awareness
• 67% of respondents are uncertain about how to advise on climate risk without clear guidance
• 38% of respondents feel there is not enough data or resources to inform their clients on climate risks

Next steps

We will use your consultation responses to develop a new practice note.

The practice note will address some of the common challenges members have identified when considering how climate change may impact the sale of a property.

The final practice note will be published in the spring.

Share your thoughts

Although the consultation has closed, we’re always keen to hear feedback from members.

To share your thoughts on how climate risks are impacting conveyancing, please email alasdair.cameron@lawsociety.org.uk.