HM Land Registry fees are changing from 31 January 2022

From 31 January 2022, Scale 1 and Scale 2 HM Land Registry fees will increase and agents must make themselves aware to avoid unnecessary delays.

Applications for first registration and for registration of transfers, leases and mortgages of property submitted on or after that date will be charged under the new 2021 Fee Order.

All applications started before 31 January, but submitted on or after this date, will also be subject to the new fees. As well as applications submitted before 31 January, subsequently cancelled, or rejected and then resubmitted on or after 31 January.

Digital Registration Service

When creating and submitting applications using the Digital Registration Service, the system will notify of any saved applications that need to be updated and recalculate the fees.

Business Gateway customers

Any systems in use must have the new fees for any application submitted which includes any applications that have been prepared and saved in advance of the fee change.

In addition, there will be some minor changes to fees and exemptions:

• A specific reference to the fee for applications for an entry relating to Right to Manage companies under the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002. This is to make this clearer, as there is no change in the fee
• Change in fees for obtaining historical copies of the register, so they align with the fees for official copies of the register
• A new exemption for requests to note disclaimers of properties made by liquidators, the Treasury Solicitor, and trustees in bankruptcy

HM Land Registry plans

Further changes to the Fee Order are being explored including its structure and simplicity and the Land Registry is currently engaging with stakeholders before any proposals are set out.

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