Complying with a restriction is an essential part of many conveyancing transactions; being unable to do so could thwart a registration. HMLR has updated PG 19 (notices and restrictions) slightly and it is a timely reminder that the wording of a restriction should be changed to allow it to continue to work as intended when …
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HMLR has updated the timeframes relating to notification of requisition cancellations in PG 50 (requisition and cancellation procedures) again (we only covered this in our February 2021 edition (p5)). Section 2 has been updated as follows (update in italics): ‘The application will be cancelled if we do not receive a full reply, but not before …
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HMLR has introduced a new Practice Guide – PG81 (encouraging the use of digital technology in identity verification). HMLR has announced the ‘digital identity standard’ which is an enhanced level of check, defined by reference to a set of requirements. These involve biometric and cryptographic checking of identity and verification that the individual or individuals …
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HMLR has provided an update on the progress of the above initiative. Practitioners will recall that HMLR is working in partnership with local authorities in England to standardise and migrate local land charges register information to one accessible place. Anyone can access the new Local Land Charges service through HMLR’s search for local land charges …
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Conveyancers have experienced significant delays in relation to HMLR applications in recent months. HMLR itself reports that most updates to the register (eg changing a name or removing a mortgage) are taking ‘around’ four weeks. Applications involving a requisition are taking considerably longer to process, with most completed after seven weeks and the most complex …
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We reported in our May 2020 (p9) and June 2020 (p5) editions on HMLR’s change of policy to accept deeds for registration that have been signed using the ‘Mercury signature’ process, and swiftly after in September 2020 (p5) that they would accept witnessed electronic signatures. There are specific processes/steps to follow to meet HMLR’s requirements …
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As a response to Covid-19, in 2020 HMLR introduced various changes to the forms and procedures relating to verification of identity, including new forms: ID3: certificate of identity for a private individual; and ID4: certificate of identity for a body corporate. These forms should be used if it is not possible for the applicant to …
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HMLR has produced a helpful table indicating when and for whom they will require confirmation of identity. Confirmation of identity requirements Application Person for whom confirmation of identity is required Transfer of land or transfer of a mortgage (whether or not for money), also includes transfers to appoint or remove a trustee and assents by …
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We reported in our December 2020/January 2021 edition (pp6-7) about the ongoing difficulties that long leaseholders are experiencing in relation to cladding and EWS1 certificates. The matter remains unresolved and it is clear that mortgage lenders are taking an understandably risk-averse position to any property with potential fire risk concerns, not just those relating specifically …
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In his March 2021 budget, the Chancellor extended the so-called SDLT ‘holiday’, which had been due to end on 31 March 2021. There are now two further extensions, one keeping the £500,000 threshold until 30 June 2021 and the second will drop the SDLT threshold to £250,000 from 1 July 2021 until 30 September 2021. …
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