Digital-only title changes and AP1 forms – six months to go

From 30 November 2022, HM Land Registry will stop accepting scanned or PDF copies of the AP1 forms (Application to Change the Register), required when ownership of a property changes hands.

Since April 2022, it has been possible to make applications for change of titles using the Digital Registration Service on the HM Land Registry portal. Digital applications via third parties and the HMLR API (application programming interface) platform, Business Gateway, have been available for over 12 years.

While over 2,000 digital applications are made every day, HM Land Registry research reports that 20 per cent of customers are still thinking about how to implement the change and 10 per cent are unaware of the change.

View a short video overview of the new HM Land Registry service

Preparations should start now

Anyone who submits AP1s is recommended to take immediate action to ensure they will be ready, with the scanned paper system still available as a backup if there are any issues getting started. Propertymark also recommends agents ensure that customers and their representatives who may be affected are aware of the forthcoming change and take similar steps to prepare.

This can be by registering for and starting to use the Digital Registration Service now, or, if a case management system or other specialist software is used, by speaking to the provider about the change as soon as possible. Using the digital service will lead to fewer requisitions and automatic fees calculation, so there are other benefits of switching as soon as possible.

Reduction in errors

There has been a significant reduction in errors as digital applications increase, which is good news for all involved in property transactions. Most types of title changes can now be made digitally, with the remaining types expected to be available in the near future.

These changes are a positive step forward to a faster and more reliable system of managing property transactions digitally. Propertymark will continue to ensure that agents are fully briefed on future changes and the action they need to take to prepare.

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Main article photo courtesy of Pixabay