New guidance to help solicitors navigate climate change in property transactions
We’ve launched new guidance to help you handle climate risks your clients might face in property transactions.
We’ve worked with our members and property practitioners to develop a new climate change and property practice note.
Join us for a free online webinar to learn how to use the new practice note to advise your clients.
As climate risks become more prevalent, solicitors may need to highlight relevant legal issues to clients during property transactions.
Our new practice note includes practical guidance to help address common challenges identified by solicitors.
“This isn’t about imposing new burdens. Instead, it aims to reassure conveyancers by offering support, not additional duties.”
Warren Gordon, Senior Professional Support Lawyer, CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP
“The practice note will hopefully reassure Law Society members that conveyancers are not expected to wear an environmental specialist hat. This isn't an extra layer for conveyances to deal with. It's for us, to help us.”
Joanne Parsons, Real Estate Partner, Aaron & Partners Solicitors
Who should use the practice note?
Solicitors and their teams who handle property transactions.
The note considers how to address climate change risks in these transactions, whether they involve residential, commercial, or mixed-use properties.
The note offers practical advice suitable for most solicitors, regardless of their firm's size or whether they specialise in residential or commercial work.
Consultation findings
In September 2024, we launched a public consultation to explore how a new climate risk and conveyancing practice note could help you.
The consultation produced detailed feedback that has been used to develop the new practice note.
Importantly, we heard that:
- 67% of respondents who took part in our consultation feel uncertain about how to advise on climate risk
- 38% of respondents feel there is not enough data or resources to inform their clients on climate risks
- 76% of respondents feel unable to confidently discuss climate risks with their clients
- 72% of respondents would be interested in more training or resources
Background
April 2023
In April 2023 we published our climate change guidance for solicitors and firms.
It highlights three categories of climate-related risks solicitors should be aware of:
- physical risks
- transition risks
- liability or legal risks
We received feedback from members asking for more clarity on how climate risk affects conveyancing.
September 2024
From September 2024 to February 2025, we carried out consultations and roundtable discussions.
We used these to understand how you handle climate risks in your conveyancing practice.
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
We engaged groups with an interest in conveyancing and climate change to understand how a new practice note could help members.
This included 20 industry bodies, local law societies and conveyancing associations.
Resources and support
Use our guidance and resources to understand the impact of climate change on your organisation and the legal advice you provide.