HM Land Registry: We’ll need the original deeds
From October 2024 HM Land Registry will no longer accept conveyancer applications for first registration based entirely on certified copies of title deeds and documents.
There will be no change to how citizens lodge their applications.
Background
When a first registration application is lodged at HM Land Registry, the applicant is asked to send all the deeds and documents relating to the title that are in their control. However, in 2016, the Land Registry introduced a new process which allowed conveyancers to lodge first registration applications made up entirely of certified copies of these deeds and documents, provided certain criteria were met. This allowed customers to hold onto the original documents.
From January 2021, HM Land Registry started to scan first registration applications containing original deeds and documents, which has allowed it to improve the quality of copies within its records while allowing it to return the (often precious) deeds and documents to its customers immediately following scanning.
The change
Starting in October 2024, conveyancers will be no longer be able to lodge first registration applications made up entirely of certified copy deeds and documents. From talking to customers, HM Land Registry knows this change will both simplify things and reduce the number of requests for information (requisitions) it needs to send.
Any applications lodged in accordance with HM Land Registry’s current direction before October 2024 will be dealt with on that basis. However, after that date all applications for first registration will need to be accompanied by the relevant deeds and documents that the property owner has in their possession. Paragraph 4.4.4 of practice guide 1 explains in more detail what deeds and documents should be sent with an application for first registration.
When a first registration application supported by original deeds is lodged by a conveyancer, the original deeds will normally be scanned, and the scanned applications will go through HM Land Registry’s casework systems to await processing.
While the original documents are returned to the conveyancer immediately after scanning, each application will continue to be processed according to the date received – unless a request to expedite the application is submitted.
If it is not possible to scan the original deeds, they will be retained by HM Land Registry until the application is completed – see paragraph 4.4.4 of practice guide 1 for more information.
When the application is completed, subject to any requisition which might arise, the official copy of the title plan and register will normally be issued electronically for those customers who use Business e-services. For those customers who don’t use Business e-services, the official copy of the title plan and register will be issued by post.
While processing applications there may be occasional circumstances when HM Land Registry need to see the original deeds again, for quality assurance purposes, and it may also need to send a requisition. HM Land Registry would therefore request you ensure the original deeds are easily accessible until it confirms that the application has been completed.
This change doesn’t affect applications lodged by citizens or applications lodged by conveyancers where the original title deeds and documents have been lost or destroyed, or applications for first registration based on adverse possession – see practice guide 2 and practice guide 5 for more information.
Why is HM Land Registry making the change?
HM Land Registry is streamlining and simplifying the way in which customers lodge applications. HM Land Registry knows this change will not only reduce the number of requisitions customers need to resolve but will also help us deal with these applications more efficiently. Following feedback, most customers were engaged with the change and understood HM Land Registry’s reasons for implementing it.
As customers cannot send first registration applications via HM Land Registry’s digital services, sending the original deeds means HM Land Registry can scan the highest quality copies for its records. HM Land Registry asks conveyancers to continue to check its guidance and the information available about all its business services.
You can find further guidance about first registration applications in HM Land Registry’s practice guide 1.
Kindly shared by HM Land Registry
