Using certified copies for first registration

Using certified copies for first registration

The option to lodge first registrations with certified copy deeds rather than originals was introduced by Land Registry in November 2016.

This unifies the practice for first registrations and land which is already registered, meaning that regardless of the type of application being lodged, the same method is able to be used.

Land Registry have noticed recurring issues in regards to the new practice and as a result, given guidance in order to clarify its operation in order to ensure smoothness of application processing.

Supporting Information

The appropriate supporting information is required to be sent alongside an application. This includes:

  • A completed FR1 application
  • A form DL
  • The application fee (Scale 1)

Where an application is lodged alongside certified copy deeds, the following is also required:

  • Certified copies of all documents and deeds in possession which must be dated within 3 months of application date. They must have been certified by an individual conveyancer.
  • A completed certificate referring to the application. This may be through a reference to the property’s description or an application reference. An individual conveyancer should also have signed this. It is essential that this is not done in the name of an organisation which may result in the certificate being sent back by Land Registry.
  • Where a certificate is not included, a requisition will result and lead to a delay in the application.

Key Points

  • The change applies only to business customers. Original documents should be included within citizen applications.
  • Lodging first applications can only be done through the post.
  • The right to request original deeds on any lodged application is reserved by Land Registry. This may be done for quality assurance purposes in order for the integrity of the register to be maintained.
  • Where originals have not been lodged alongside an application and it is then cancelled, the new application should not be made under the direction and must include original deeds.
  • Conveyancers are still able to lodge applications with original documents and deeds.
  • Land Registration policy regarding first registrations when deeds and documents have been destroyed has not changed.

The importance of registering a property is frequently being highlighted within the media, commonly in cases where the identity of a homeowner has been stolen in order to sell on a property without their knowledge. Identity theft is the most common method to commit property fraud, and the Property Alert service – the new Land Registry tool to help protect homeowners from fraud – has been signed up to by 50,000 people.

The most recent case regarding this kind of fraud involved a mother and daughter involved in a plot to pose as the owner of a property worth £3 million.

 

Up to date information for conveyancers in regards to the new practices can be found in the Government practice guides.

Georgia Owen

Georgia is the Content Executive and will be your primary contact when submitting your latest news. While studying for an LLB at the University of Liverpool, Georgia gained experience working within retail, as well as social media management. She later went on to work for a local newspaper, before starting at Today’s Conveyancer.

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