Conveyancers will no doubt be aware that NTSLEAT withdrew its material information guidance without notice in May 2025. This has probably put the nail in the coffin for the ill-fated Property Information Form (5th edition). CQS-accredited firms can use this form or the existing 4th edition. The Law Society has announced that it has paused …
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HMLR has updated PG19 (notices and restrictions). Section 2.6.2 has been updated to confirm that HMLR does not require additional documents to be uploaded with a UN1 application, and where documents uploaded are superfluous they will not be retained by HMLR. This is important because a UN1 application protects the confidentiality of the interest. Part …
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HMLR has made a number of changes to PG50 (requisition and cancellation procedures). This is an important PG for practitioners as it gives advice on how to avoid requests for information (requisitions) on applications and HMLR procedures where they do need to be raised, including the way HMLR applies rule 16(2) of the Land Registration …
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HMLR has updated section 8 of PG67 (evidence of identity) to reflect the addition of section C within form ID1 and ID2. Section C allows for a person’s ID to be verified digitally in line with the HM Land Registry digital identity standard. Section 8.6 has been amended to clarify that any evidence of the …
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The SC has heard an important case which considers the Etridge principles that all property practitioners should read. The press summary is as follows: ‘Background to the Appeal In 2011 the appellant commenced a relationship at a point in her life when she was emotionally vulnerable but financially independent as the sole owner of her …
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On 12 May 2025, the Law Society issued its much-awaited practice note, ‘Climate change and property’, which is a must-read for all property solicitors. This practice notes builds on its April 2023 climate change guidance. The practice note contains a helpful checklist summarising what solicitors should consider doing about climate risk in property transactions. It …
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HMLR has updated PG74 (searches of the index of proprietors’ names). This is an important search which enables the applicant to establish whether there are any registered titles against the name/s. It can be useful for PRs, for example, but cannot be used as a mere ‘fishing exercise’. Section 2 has been updated to remove …
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Note that many HMLR forms have been amended a result of a change to the postcode for HMLR’s PO Box address. Most applications will be made via the portal these days, but do not be caught out if it is necessary to use a form. Source the latest version from the HMLR website. Source: www.gov.uk.
HMLR has updated PG21 (using our forms for complex and more unusual transactions). Section 14.1 has been amended to reflect current HM Revenue & Customs practice on submitting online SDLT returns for multiple properties. Section 14.1 now reads: ‘14.1 Stamp Duty Land Tax In most cases where there are multiple properties, the Land Transaction Return …
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Response to Roger Sceats Thank you for posting your question on Ask the Editor Clearly any situation depends on the specific facts and communications sent to a person by a law firm, but in general terms, cases have held that solicitors can owe a duty of care to non clients and a potential implied retainer …
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