HM Land Registry (HMLR) registration delays [Only Part]
Monday 19 January 2026 at 14:58
Visible to anyone in the world
1. Growing Registration Delays at HM Land Registry
Delays at HM Land Registry are increasingly exceeding acceptable time-frames. While simple applications may take a few months, many complex registrations such as first registrations, leases or multi-title changes can now take over a year and, in some cases, nearly two years to complete. This so-called “registration gap” creates significant uncertainty in property transactions and is widely acknowledged as a persistent issue within the conveyancing system.
2. Risk to Firms and Clients
This extended processing time fuels client frustration, commercial disputes over priority and title, and heightened risk of negligence claims against practitioners who are effectively unable to deliver timely outcomes despite acting competently. Delays can also undermine clients’ ability to refinance, sell or otherwise exercise property rights in a reasonable period, increasing costs and reputation risk for legal advisers who must manage expectations carefully.
3. Mitigating Risk and Managing Expectations
Legal professionals should proactively inform clients about likely registration timelines, document communication carefully, and take steps to reduce errors that can trigger requisitions. With backlogs persisting despite some improvements in automation and data transparency, effective client communication and robust risk-management practices remain essential to minimise professional liability and protect client interests.
HM Land Registry (HMLR) registration delays [Only Part]
1. Growing Registration Delays at HM Land Registry
Delays at HM Land Registry are increasingly exceeding acceptable time-frames. While simple applications may take a few months, many complex registrations such as first registrations, leases or multi-title changes can now take over a year and, in some cases, nearly two years to complete. This so-called “registration gap” creates significant uncertainty in property transactions and is widely acknowledged as a persistent issue within the conveyancing system.
2. Risk to Firms and Clients
This extended processing time fuels client frustration, commercial disputes over priority and title, and heightened risk of negligence claims against practitioners who are effectively unable to deliver timely outcomes despite acting competently. Delays can also undermine clients’ ability to refinance, sell or otherwise exercise property rights in a reasonable period, increasing costs and reputation risk for legal advisers who must manage expectations carefully.
3. Mitigating Risk and Managing Expectations
Legal professionals should proactively inform clients about likely registration timelines, document communication carefully, and take steps to reduce errors that can trigger requisitions. With backlogs persisting despite some improvements in automation and data transparency, effective client communication and robust risk-management practices remain essential to minimise professional liability and protect client interests.
Transparency - Pro-activity - Preparedness