HM Land Registry (HMLR) has published a blog post confirming that, from October 2024, it will no longer accept conveyancer applications for first registration that are comprised entirely of certified copies of title deeds and documents. Applications that are lodged before October 2024 will be dealt with in accordance with HMLR’s current direction. Thereafter, applications will need to be accompanied by the original deeds and documents that are in the possession of the property owner.

HM Land Registry (HMLR) has announced that, from late August 2026, application-related correspondence, including requisitions, letters and notices, will be delivered to customers via secure links within emails rather than as PDF attachments. The secure links will remain accessible for 200 days. The change follows updates to Microsoft's email software. Correspondence will be sent from hm.land.registry@notifications.service.gov.uk using GOV.UK Notify, a government platform that HMLR has used to send some notices for over a year. No changes will be made to the way PDFs are displayed within the HMLR portal.

HM Land Registry (HMLR) has published a blog post, announcing updates to its Digital Registration Service (DRS), which allows the inclusion of additional parties to applications. This update follows feedback from users who encountered difficulties in entering additional parties. Users can now amend or remove the name of a transferor, add an attorney for any part of the application, and select the capacity in which they are acting. They can also add representation, verify their identity when prompted, and provide evidence to support an amendment, removal, or addition. This information will populate the appropriate panels of the e-AP1 form.

HM Land Registry has updated its Land Charges and information services fees. In addition, HMLR has updated five practice guides: Practice Guide 10—Index map: official search, Practice Guide 27—The leasehold reform legislation, Practice Guide 28s1— Extension of leases: checklist for submitting an application to register the surrender and regrant of a leasehold estate, Practice Guide 73—Statements of truth, and Practice Guide 74—Searches of the index of proprietors’ names.

HM Land Registry (HMLR) has updated Practice Guide 1—First registrations. Section 5.1 has been amended to explain the actions that HMLR will take if an application for first registration does not appear to be in possession of all or part of the land included in the application.

HM Land Registry (HMLR) has updated Practice Guide 1—First registrations and form FR1—First registration: application.

HM Land Registry (HMLR) has updated Practice Guide 11—Inspection and application for official copies and form CNG—Change of name (Transgender and Non-Binary).

HM Land Registry (HMLR) has updated Practice Guide 12—Official searches. The guide has been amended to provide clearer guidance for customers to improve the lodgement of searches.

HM Land Registry (HMLR) has updated Practice Guide 14a—Charitable incorporated organisations. Section 4.2 has been revised to reflect the amendments to sections 18(2)(b) and 18(3)(b) of the Charities Act 2022, following the end of the transition period set out in article 10 of the Charities Act 2022 (Commencement No 3, Consequential, Saving and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2024, SI 2024/265. HMLR has also updated the guidance notes in forms ID1 and ID2 to clarify the circumstances in which certain sections of the forms must be completed.

HM Land Registry (HMLR) has updated Practice Guide 14a—Charitable incorporated organisations and forms ID1—Verify identity: citizen, ID2—Verify identity: corporate body and ID5—Certificate to be given by a conveyancer where a person's identity has been verified by way of an online video call.

HM Land Registry (HMLR) has updated Practice Guide 19—Notices, restrictions and protection of third-party interests.

HM Land Registry (HMLR) has updated Practice Guide 19—Notices, restrictions and protection of third-party interests. Sections 3.1.5.8 and 3.7.2 have been amended to clarify HMLR’s requirements for compliance with, or the removal of, a Form LL or company counter fraud restriction by an insolvency practitioner, trustee in bankruptcy, or attorney.