The HM Land Registry (HMLR) has been grappling with significant backlogs in processing property registrations, a situation that has caused considerable frustration among conveyancers and their clients. Recent efforts to address these delays have shown promise, but challenges remain.

The Role of the HMLR

HMLR plays a crucial role in the conveyancing process. It ensures that the title and legal ownership to a property is clear and maintained in a register. HMLR also records any charges or restrictions on the property, such as mortgages or easements. By maintaining an accurate and up-to-date register of land and property ownership, HMLR provides a reliable system that underpins the security and transparency of property transactions in England and Wales. When you purchase, transfer or remortgage a property, as part of your conveyancing solicitor’s post-completion procedures, they will apply on your behalf to the Land Registry to update the details held on the register.

The Cause of the HMLR Backlog

The backlog at HMLR has been attributed to several factors. A surge in property transactions, partly driven by government incentives like the Stamp Duty Land Tax holiday, significantly increased the volume of applications. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted normal operations, exacerbating delays. At its peak, some applications were waiting up to 20 months for processing.

Recent Progress and Initiatives

Recruitment and Training

One of the most significant steps taken by HMLR has been the recruitment of over 3,300 new staff members over the past five years. This influx of personnel has been crucial in reducing the backlog. The establishment of a Land Registration Academy has also been pivotal, providing comprehensive training to new recruits to ensure they are well-equipped to handle the complexities of land registration.

Technological Advancements

HMLR has invested heavily in technology to streamline processes. Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) have been integrated into routine tasks, freeing up staff to focus on more complex issues. The introduction of a data verification service for Business Gateway-enabled software aims to reduce avoidable requisitions by catching simple administrative errors before submission.

Customer Collaboration

HMLR has been working closely with customers to understand their needs better and to reduce errors in applications. This collaboration includes providing insights into common mistakes and how to avoid them, which helps in speeding up the overall process.

Structural Reforms

The organisation has undergone significant restructuring to respond more effectively to fluctuations in demand. This includes a more agile approach to managing workloads and ensuring that the right expertise is available where needed.

Current Status and Future Outlook

As of now, HMLR has made substantial progress. The Land Registry set a goal that by March 2025 they would have processed 95% of applications within 12 months of their submission. They reportedly surpassed that ahead of schedule. A significant improvement from the peak of 20 months. Though many applications older than 12 months remain open with the Land Registry where further information (requisitions) has been requested following the initial processing.

However, HMLR acknowledges that there is still a long way to go. Continuous improvements are being made, and the organisation remains committed to providing a faster, more convenient registration service. Future plans include further enhancements to digital services and ongoing efforts to reduce delays caused by requisitions.

Conclusion

The efforts by HMLR to tackle the backlog have started to bear fruit, but the journey is far from over. With continued focus on recruitment, training, technological advancements, and customer collaboration, there is optimism that HMLR will continue to make strides in reducing registration times and improving overall service quality.

For clients waiting for their transactions to be registered, it’s important to manage expectations. There may be significant periods of silence from your solicitor as they wait for the Land Registry to process your application. If you are re-selling or remortgaging a property that still has a previous pending Land Registry application, contact your solicitor with evidence, such as your estate agent contract or new mortgage offer. They can lodge a request to potentially expedite the process.

The content of our site is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice.

References
https://todaysconveyancer.co.uk/3300-new-staff-bring-hmlr-backlog-within-12-months/
https://todaysconveyancer.co.uk/hmlr-making-headway-long-way-go/
https://hmlandregistry.blog.gov.uk/2025/04/16/building-the-service-you-need/