Land Registry
Increase to fees
Some of our land registration fees increased on Monday 31 January 2022. See Fees review 2021 to 2022 for more information.
Expedite an application (fast-track)
You can ask HM Land Registry to process your application urgently. The expedite process is available for applications where a delay would cause significant issues.
Processing times
Register queries
Register queries, such as official search and official copy applications, are operating as usual with many results available instantly. It takes 1 to 2 days if we need to manually handle an application. Searches of the index map can take 2 to 3 days.
Updates to the register
Applications to remove a mortgage are automated and returned within a day.
Over half of the remaining applications to update the register, such aschanging a name or transferring a property title, take 5 weeksto complete, with most completedin just over 3 months.We know that in some instances these applications are takingjust over 5 monthsto complete.
If youve received a request for information (requisition) it will take longer to process. In some instances applications with requests for information (requisitions) can take over 1 month longer tocomplete.
Complex changes and new entries
We complete over half of complex applications, such as first registrations, creating a new lease or transferring part of a property (transfer of part), in 10 months. We complete most in just over 13 months, but some might take a few months longer depending on the application.
Requests for information (requisitions) are common on complex changes, with additional information required from the applicant. In some instances applications with requisitions can takearound 2 months longerto complete.
Note: All timelines are correct as of August 2022. The timelines reflect the average experience based on the previous months activity. When contacting HM Land Registry to discuss individual cases we give an estimated date reflecting when 90% of each application type are completed.
Contact HM Land Registry
You can send us a message or contact us by phone
Our guides answer many of the most common questions.
Business e-services customers can:
- send new information about an application to the caseworker whos processing it through the portals Reply to Requisition function
- use our online Application Enquiry tracker to check the progress of an application
Changes to practice for conveyancers
Conveyancers can use practice guide 80 for information about the changes weve made to our practice.
Identity verification
You can verify your identity for land registration purposes with a wide range of professionals including medical doctors, police officers and teachers. This can be done by video conference. For more details, see Practice guide 67A: temporary changes to HM Land Registrys evidence of identity requirements.
Land Charges applications
We have changed our practice to allow most Land Charges applications to be made by email, through attaching PDF copies of application forms and any supporting evidence. You must have a variable Direct Debit account to be able to do this. A new paragraph 6.1.3 has been added to practice guide 63. The change does not extend to those applications that can already be made through the portal or Business Gateway.
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Last updated 30 September 2022 +show all updates
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We have updated our application processing times.
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We have updated our application processing times.
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We have updated our application processing times.
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We have updated our application processing times.
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We have updated our application processing times.
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We have updated our application processing times.
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We have updated our application processing times.
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We have updated our application processing times.
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Update to application processing times.
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Some land registration fees will increase from Monday 31 January.
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We have updated our application processing times.
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