A new conveyancing platform has launched in the UK, offering real-time visibility of property chains to all parties involved in transactions, including buyers, sellers, estate agents, mortgage brokers and solicitors.
CentreMove, developed by East Yorkshire-based conveyancing solicitors Jen and Gordon Sewell alongside entrepreneur Gordon Quinn, allows buyers and sellers to conduct searches themselves and access information directly. The platform also enables prospective buyers to contact vendors before submitting offers.
Transaction costs and failure rates
The launch comes as collapsed property transactions continue to cost the British economy an estimated £2 billion annually, with Santander recently valuing the cost of the housing system’s inefficiencies at a minimum of £1.5 billion per year.
Nearly a quarter of agreed sales in England and Wales failed to complete during the first months of 2026, according to data cited by the founders. Independent research indicates mortgage-related issues remain the primary cause of sale collapses, ahead of chain breakdowns and buyers withdrawing.
The platform aims to address communication gaps in the current system, where phone calls, forwarded emails and delayed updates are standard practice. Co-founder Jen Sewell noted that a close acquaintance waited twelve weeks without receiving a single update on her property chain.
“Important questions about a property can take days to answer, while simple misunderstandings can quickly escalate into failed transactions, financial loss and avoidable disputes,” Gordon Sewell said. The platform provides a shared view updated in real-time as changes occur.
Industry context
The launch adds to a growing number of technology solutions targeting the conveyancing process, as the sector faces increasing pressure to modernise. Technology adoption in property services has accelerated in recent years, with firms seeking to reduce transaction times and improve transparency.
The platform’s approach of enabling direct communication between buyers and sellers represents a departure from traditional conveyancing workflows, where solicitors typically act as intermediaries. Whether this model gains traction will depend on adoption rates among the various parties involved in property transactions, particularly solicitors and estate agents who have established processes.
The economic impact of failed transactions remains significant for both consumers and the wider property market. With pressure mounting across various segments of the property sector, improvements to transaction efficiency could provide relief to market participants facing tighter margins and operational challenges.
