A new conveyancing platform has launched in the UK, entering a competitive field of established players and technology firms attempting to address delays in the property transaction process.
CentreMove, founded by Wayne Quin and solicitors Jen and Gordon Sewell, is positioning itself as a centralised communication platform that consolidates interactions between all parties involved in property transactions. The company reports that its first estate agency client is currently being onboarded.
Market context
The conveyancing technology sector has seen significant activity in recent months. In April, Connells announced a partnership with Lloyds and broker LMS, following government statements calling for digitalisation of the property transaction process. Other active platforms in the market include Coadjute, ProConvey, MyHomeMove, Fix My Legals, eConveyancing, iamproperty, the PEXA group, and Landmark’s Project 28.
Industry challenges facing these platforms include integration with existing case management systems used by conveyancers, surveyors, lenders and estate agencies, as well as resistance to digital adoption across the property sector.
Platform features
According to Quin, CentreMove differs from competitors by centralising all communications regardless of source, rather than primarily integrating with conveyancers’ case management systems. “Our platform will give agents more time back to focus on what they do best,” Quin said. “It’s part of the key driver behind our platform – to bring transparency to the process.”
The platform includes downloadable searches and allows users to view anonymised progress updates from other parts of the property chain. The system is designed to handle both standard and complex conveyancing cases, including historic properties.
Jen Sewell noted that the platform enables direct communication between buyers and sellers, or through agents. “CentreMove brings all this communication onto one platform and becomes a relationship builder between all the parties,” she said.
Founders’ background
Notably, co-founders Jen and Gordon Sewell come from litigation backgrounds rather than conveyancing, with experience in professional negligence claims involving property transactions. Gordon Sewell stated: “I’ve dealt with professional negligence claims involving conveyancing and that’s helped us tap into the really emotional issues caused by failed or problematical home purchases or sales.”
The company claims that several estate agencies have expressed interest in the platform, though specific numbers were not disclosed. The success of CentreMove will depend on its ability to achieve widespread adoption in a sector where transaction speeds and efficiency remain key concerns for property professionals and consumers alike.
