As of 1st October 2024, HM Land Registry has announced that applications for first registration by conveyancers can no longer include certified copies of deeds and documents. Instead, the original deeds are to be provided and once scanned, will be returned. It is hoped that the change will improve the scanned quality of the documents that are held at the Land Registry and lead to fewer requestions (issues) with applications. Where it is not possible to scan the deeds, these will be retained by the Land Registry until the application is completed.

Subject to no requisitions being raised and the application process going smoothly, a copy of the title will be provided by post or online.

Currently, applications for first registration (excluding those that are expedited) take between 1 – 2 years to complete. It is hoped that the changes being introduced will streamline and simplify the process so applications can be dealt with more efficiently. You can read more here.

If you have any queries about first registration, please do not hesitate to contact any member of our Property Team on 01494 521 301.