My new property just isn’t registered but!

Why isn’t my property registered to me but in accordance with HM Land Registry data? 

For those who’ve simply purchased a property and also you take a look at Zoopla or Rightmove – and even HM Land Registry’s own service – it’s possible you’ll be stunned to see that your title and the value paid hasn’t been added to your official property document but. Within the overwhelming majority of circumstances, you do not want to fret about this. There are just a few particular circumstances (defined under), the place HM Land Registry registrations may doubtlessly trigger homeowners a difficulty however, even then, there’s a easy – and free – resolution out there. 

Usually, no issues come up from properties not being registered to their new homeowners but. It’s because registration occurs after the property is offered – often after completion and assortment of the keys, and after Stamp Responsibility or Land Transaction Tax (if relevant) has been paid. The sale is authorized, the brand new proprietor can transfer in, and the property is theirs. Their authorized rights are protected within the Land Register the second we obtain the brand new utility, not from the day we really register it which will probably be a while later as a result of the sale must occur first. 

What HM Land Registry does 

HM Land Registry performs a key function within the property market, offering an official document of all property possession and the monetary loans (usually mortgages) in opposition to all property in England and Wales. This gives assurance for additional cash lending, and so retains the property market working. With out this, the property market would merely cease. 

Most individuals most likely don’t even find out about HM Land Registry till they see the road on their conveyancer’s itemised invoice. Or presumably once they obtain a type to signal, with witnesses, to conform to the sale of the property with our  brand on the high. They might additionally use platforms reminiscent of Rightmove however not realise the information’s sourced from us.  

When is HM Land Registry concerned within the property-buying course of?

Earlier than a property sale

Earlier than a property is offered, we offer details about the possession of that property. We at present present that data inside three working days, primarily as a result of this service is basically automated.  

After a property is offered

After a property sale, we register the brand new homeowners’ particulars and any mortgage they’ve. The sale is authorized, the brand new proprietor can transfer in, host house-warming events or begin any renovations they need. The property is legally theirs from the second we obtain the appliance which we are going to then begin processing.  

To see the present timescales for processing purposes, you may examine our current processing times on GOV.UK. It’s price repeating that the homeowners’ ‘curiosity’ within the property is legally shielded from the second we obtain the appliance, not the later date after we end processing it and replace the register.  

There are just a few particular circumstances the place HM Land Registry registrations may doubtlessly trigger homeowners a difficulty however, even then, there’s a easy – and free – resolution out there: our fast-track service.

When can an utility be quick tracked?

Fast gross sales and remortgages 

If somebody buys a property after which decides to remortgage or promote it simply a short time later, their registration could not have been accomplished but, that means they can not promote or remortgage the property. This doesn’t occur fairly often however, when it does, the applicant can request that their utility is quick tracked and moved to the entrance of our queues (we name this ‘expediting’). That is an especially profitable service, with over 95% of circumstances processed inside 10 working days permitting them to proceed with their sale or remortgage. Additionally it is freed from cost.

Registering very previous or very new properties

The opposite space which may doubtlessly trigger points is registering a property for the primary time – maybe if it’s an previous home or a part of a brand new construct growth. We’re seeing some longer registration delays right here, as these are typically extra advanced purposes that require extra detailed mapping and infrequently want us to ask candidates for extra particulars to make sure we get the exact elements of possession appropriate. The truth is, two thirds of those ‘advanced’ purposes want some clarifying, which may trigger delays.  

So, if in case you have purchased an older home, or a brand new construct, and are eager about refinancing or remortgaging, it could be price checking the registration particulars and, if mandatory, requesting our fast-track service to deliver our data updated together with your possession.

So, if a delay in registration is inflicting issues, whether or not authorized, monetary or private, our standards for quick monitoring are met. Keep in mind, there isn’t a further cost from HM Land Registry to make use of this service – it’s free.

What else you are able to do

This can be a simplified account of our work. Land registration and property legislation may be extremely advanced. Nevertheless, it covers the overwhelming majority of property gross sales. Inevitably, there will probably be some circumstances which take slightly longer, or face specific points. In case you have any considerations about these affecting you, we might encourage you to contact us.  

There isn’t a purpose that your property transaction must be affected by any processing delays at HM Land Registry. 

Nevertheless, if you happen to assume your plans would possibly be affected by your property not being registered but, please request an expedite. This free service helps hundreds of individuals every month to do issues reminiscent of transfer residence, change their registered names after marriage or divorce, or handle a property after a bereavement.

What are we doing?

So long as the appliance has been submitted to us, any delays in registering the property aren’t something to fret about. This doesn’t imply nonetheless that we’re not all the time working to cut back the time between receiving an utility and registration.

For extra details about what we’re doing to enhance our pace of service for patrons, together with hiring over 1,500 new caseworkers, please learn our recent blog on measures to help our customers.

For those who’re fascinated about studying extra about our function within the conveyancing course of, you can too watch our recently published video aimed at supporting new conveyancers.