2025/26: What the End of the SDLT Holiday Means for Conveyancers
Talent Trends, Team Impact & What’s Next
By Olivia Reed, Specialist Recruitment Consultant – Property Division
As the SDLT holiday came to an end on 31 March 2025, conveyancers across the country pushed through an intense Q1—managing long hours, heavy caseloads, and high client expectations. Now, with the market slowing and instructions dipping, many legal teams are taking a much-needed breather—and asking what comes next.
From Urgency to Uncertainty
With the nil-rate threshold reverting to £125,000, buyer confidence—particularly in the £250k–£500k bracket—has wobbled. First-time buyer relief remains, but many clients are reassessing affordability. For conveyancers, this means fewer new matters, more time spent recalculating SDLT figures, and increased pressure to provide clear, confident advice.
What It Means for Teams
We’re seeing more firms pause to reflect:
- Where are the knowledge gaps?
- Who burned out during the rush?
- Which roles need strengthening before the market picks up again?
Technical SDLT knowledge, client communication skills, and comfort with PropTech tools are all rising in importance. We’re also seeing growing demand for mid-level conveyancers who can balance volume with quality, and advise on more complex matters like mixed-use or leasehold reform.
A Window of Opportunity
This quieter period is a chance to reset and reinvest—through training, tech upgrades, and targeted hires. Teams that were overstretched now have the space to focus on resilience, process improvement, and client experience.
Looking Ahead
Leasehold reform, digital onboarding, and ESG factors (like EPC ratings) are all shaping how property transactions—and the teams behind them—will evolve. Firms that prepare now will be well-placed when activity returns in the autumn.
Final Thought
The SDLT deadline may have passed, but its impact on talent, training, and team structure is just beginning. If you’re rethinking your conveyancing team—or planning your next move—let’s talk. This isn’t just a tax shift. It’s a chance to build stronger, smarter conveyancing practices for the future.
