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Buying/Selling a Property

Protecting property ownership through trusted land registration and accurate public records.

Department

HM Land Registry – Maintains the official register of land and property ownership in England and Wales, processes applications to update ownership, and provides authoritative property information.  

Intent

To ensure the legal transfer of property ownership in England and Wales is accurately recorded with HM Land Registry (HMLR), protecting ownership rights and providing a reliable public record of property ownership, mortgages, and associated interests.

Interaction

Operational Delivery Profession (ODP) colleagues support the accurate and timely registration of property transactions following a purchase or sale. 

They begin by explaining HMLR’s role, making clear that it records ownership after completion rather than managing the transaction itself. This helps set expectations and encourages the use of conveyancers where appropriate. 

After completion, the buyer’s conveyancer usually submits an application to update the register. ODP colleagues support understanding of this process, including required forms, supporting documents (such as transfer deeds, mortgage details, and tax confirmation), and submission routes. 

They also explain application fees, timescales, and identity verification requirements, particularly for customers without legal representation. These checks help reduce delays and protect against property fraud.  

Applications are reviewed to ensure accuracy and completeness. Where issues arise, such as missing information or inconsistencies, ODP colleagues manage these through a requisition process explaining how to resolve them.

Once processed, HMLR updates the register, records any mortgage or charge, and issues updated title documents. Legal protection applies from the point the application is received.  

Throughout, colleagues respond to queries, provide clear guidance, and ensure customers understand the limits of support, including that legal advice cannot be provided.  

Responsibilities

  • Explain HMLR’s role and set clear expectations 

  • Support access to and understanding of the land register 

  • Provide guidance on application processes, forms, and fees 

  • Clarify identity, evidence, and anti-fraud requirements 

  • Process applications and ensure records are accurate 

  • Manage requisitions and support issue resolution 

  • Respond to customer queries and provide clear guidance  

  • Supporting customers with delays, missing information, or boundary issues 

  • Signposting to GOV.UK guidance (SDLT, title plans, Property Alert, timescales) 

  • Ensuring applications are complete, compliant, and securely handled 

Collaboration

Organisation / Body

Role or Linked Process 

HM Land Registry (HMLR) 

Registers ownership; updates title; records mortgages; issues title documents.  

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) 

Collects Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) before registration can proceed. 

Local Authorities

Provide property searches and local land charge information. 

Ordnance Survey (via HMLR) 

Provides mapping and boundaries used for official title plans. 

Mortgage Lenders

Supply mortgage deeds recorded by HMLR as legal charges. 

Ministry of Justice / Bankruptcy Register

Checked where relevant as part of legal due diligence. 

Conveyancers / Solicitors

Manage transactions, prepare legal documents, and submit registration applications.