Land Registration rules that aim to pave the way for digital land registration have been approved by the Government.
Set to come into effect on 6 April this year, the changes are a core element of HM Land Registry’s plans to become the world’s leading land registry for simplicity, speed, as well as an open approach to data.
These ambitions are outlined in the HMLR 5-year Business Strategy, were Chief Executive and Chief Land Registrar Graham Farrant sets out the changes that the organisation plans to deliver; this includes allowing for fully digital conveyancing documents, signed with e-signatures.
In order to reach its overarching aim to make conveyancing simpler through the utilisation of digital technology, HM Land Registry will work with consumers, having released a public consultation on the changes in 2017. As well as streamlining the process, the plans also aim to reduce costs and minimise delays, whilst ensuring that security of the registry remains a priority. Responding to consumer needs’, the scheduled amendments to the rules will mean the introduction of fully digital conveyancing documents including mortgages and transfers.
Commenting on the changes, Graham Farrant stated:
“Our customers are central to everything we do and we want to make dealing with us quicker and simpler by providing more services through digital technology. These changes are an important enabler for our digital transformation and I want to thank our customers for their positive responses to the consultation.”
In order for the registry to continue with its programme of transformation, changes were required to the Land Registration Rules 2003, with the Land Registration (Electronic Conveyancing) Rules 2008 and the Land Registration (Proper Office) Order 2013 being revoked.
In terms of what the scheduled changes will mean for users, HMLR state that they will be contacting customers in the next few weeks to explain how the amendments will affect application submission. The anticipated impact, however, is expected to be minimal.
One Response
With title deeds completely accessible for any house, and with constant email hackers/phishers/online fraud/bogus law firms/ID theft (etc etc etc) it is THE scariest time for home owners, estate agents and conveyancers at the moment, as any one of them may currently be caught up in a fraud.
Removing the remaining thought elements, and turning them robotic….the present proposals are such bad timing, they really are.