Land Registry moves closer to digital conveyancing
The Land Registry is proposing changes to the Land Registration Rules 2003, such as introducing electronic signatures for documents relating to land. The e-signatures will be encrypted through the Land Registry's servers and sent to parties to sign. The documents will have the same legal standing as a deed, which was the only way property ownership could be legally transferred until now. However, this is not complete electronic conveyancing as transactions will still need to be completed by staff. However, the Land Registry believes these changes are required sooner to meet users' changing demands. The proposal is open for consultation until 5 April.

This consultation proposes some changes to the Land Registration Rules 2003 to allow Land Registry to offer customers digital alternatives to paper conveyancing and registration. Some other amendments will reflect how we have modernised and simplified our services through digital transformation.

Land Registry constantly works to modernise its services. This is not a radical review of the Land Registration Rules 2003 as that would not be appropriate while the Law Commission is reviewing the Land Registration Act 2002 in the Law Commission’s Twelfth Programme of Work.

The proposed rule amendments are the minimum we think are needed pending the outcome of the Law Commission’s work, in order to pursue Land Registry’s Business Strategy.

We are seeking views from Land Registry customers, stakeholders and others with an interest in the property market.