There are currently length delays in dealing with certain types of applications at HM Land Registry. The cause seems to be a combination of a post-COVID hangover, a glut of applications following the relatively recent end to the various stamp duty holidays and industrial action by Land Registry staff.
According to data released last month from the Land Registry themselves, the delays for certain types of application, for example registering purchase of plots on new developments or registering purchases of part of a registered property are taking anywhere up to two years.
The latest Land Registry timescales for completion of applications for registration as at the 5th September 2023 are as follows:
Routine ownership, mortgage and other changes to existing registered titles
Earliest: 1 day
Average: 2 to 25 days
Almost all: 6 to 12 weeks
More complex changes to existing registered titles
Earliest: 1 day
Average: 4 to 5 months
Almost all: 7 to 9 months
Registering purchases of plots on new developments
Earliest: 7 to 11 months
Average: 11 to 14 months
Almost all: 20 to 22 months
Registering purchases of part of a registered property that is not a new development
Earliest: 7 to 15 months
Average: 15 to 17 months
Almost all: 21 to 24 months
Registering a property for the first time
Earliest: 4 to 12 months
Average: 13 to 15 months
Almost all: 14 to 16 months
The Guardian recently reported on the hardships that these delays were causing, especially when it comes to first applications on new developments. Their article can be found here.
So what can you do if you need your application completed urgently? The Land Registry will deal with matters on an expedited basis if the registering solicitor applies for the same and the applicant can show a valid reason for expedition. These may be, for example, the property is being sold or remortgaged. The Land Registry will usually require evidence of the same, for example a memorandum of sale from an estate agent or copy of the mortgage offer.
If however there is no urgency it is simply a case of waiting patiently for the procedure to complete. Once a valid application is made, within a clear priority search period, to the Land Registry your application is protected.
If you have any doubts about your registration, your solicitor should be able to provide you with, what is known as, a copy of the day list which will show that your application has been lodged and us being processed.
This blog was prepared by Alexander JLO’s property partner Matt Johnson. Matt has many years of experience of dealing with property work and specialises in new build and shared ownership properties. His profile on the independent Review Solicitor website and be found here.