HM Land Registry adopts electronic signatures for home purchases

The Land Registry has said it will accept witnessed electronic signatures in a move it hopes will speed up the conveyancing process when buying a home.

In 2019 it took an average of 71 days for a property to move from under offer to exchange, according to Knight Frank data.

However, due to the UK lockdown and subsequent backlog in searches and checks caused by the furloughing of staff and temporary closure of the property market, this had increased to 86 days in the year to June 2020.

The move won’t be transformative but it will shorten the process to some extent.

“It’s a huge step forward if somewhat overdue. Having to rely on a wet signature feels antiquated,” said Russell Grieve, Knight Frank’s Haslemere office head. “It will also be advantageous in regards international clients, especially if they are in lockdown and unable to physically complete paperwork,” he added.

The change removes the legal requirement for paper deeds from the conveyancing process. Instead, the document is uploaded to an online platform, then signed electronically in the presence of a witness who also signs. It is then completed by the conveyancer and submitted it to the Land Registry.

More detail about the adoption of electronic signatures is available on the Land Registry website.