The Data Layers subscription service gives property lawyers access to an easy-to-use, data-rich consultative tool, which can provide a wealth of location-based insights.

Using a mobile device, lawyers can engage with clients whilst on site or around the table with architects, investors and other project stakeholders. They can then discuss any potential areas of risk that that Data Layers service may uncover at the outset of the transaction.

Via SearchFlow’s online search ordering platform, property lawyers input the address of the property or site and data layers, from 12 trusted industry sources, are immediately viewable.

The service provides access to the industry’s widest array of data layers, yet has been created within an interactive map to make interpretation of the insights as quick and easy as possible.

The data includes land use designations, planning application data, freehold ownership information, flood risk, land contamination risk, greenbelt data, listed buildings information and highways data, including Crossrail and HS2.

The Data Layers assess specific addresses by postcode or sites up to 20 hectares in size. It provides commercial property lawyers with the ability to quickly screen prospective sites or addresses for areas of risk as early as possible. They can then advise clients up-front, helping to reduce the number of aborted transactions that result from hidden risks being uncovered later in the process.

Dr Thomas Quirke, managing director of SearchFlow, said: “Data Layers is a great consultative tool and fully accessible on mobile devices.

“By providing instant access to the most comprehensive and up-to-date location data, it gives commercial property lawyers the ability to quickly visualise over 70 individual data insights with ease and highlight potential areas of concern much earlier in the process.

“This means that lawyers can offer guidance to clients on potential risks, even before a plot is purchased, or as part of the conveyancing process.

“It also means lawyers can proceed with ordering the right searches, first time, and remove the need to wait for search results to be returned before identifying any potential hazards or areas of concern which could make the buyer hesitate.”

The Data Layers service is available on a subscription basis and is accessed via any modern internet browser, via any mobile device or PC.