New System Speeds up Conveyancing Process

HM Land Registry (HMLR) has revealed one of its newer systems – Application Enquiry – has made the conveyancing process quicker, for some three-quarters of property professionals. Application Enquiry was introduced in March 2016 and in the past year or so, has had positive results that are aiding a smoother conveyancing process.

“Buying and selling a home can take a long time and people often get frustrated with that,” said Pimlico estate agent, Andrew Reeves. “It’s good to see the HMLR’s decision to embrace some newer technology, has resulted in quicker search results for conveyancers.”

Application Specifics

Application Enquiry makes it much easier for conveyancers to assess their progress when applying for information regarding a sale or purchase they’re working on. According to HMLR, the system gives conveyancers the ability to quickly find out more about:

·         How far any application has progressed.

·         If there’s a delay and if so, what the reasons for that delay are.

·         If a previous charge has been discharged.

·         More details on any cancelled or completed applications.

·         The specific priority period for any official searches.

Having quicker access to all of these details makes a conveyancer’s job a lot easier, as they can more easily confirm the important details about any relevant application and advise their clients accordingly.

In order to access Application Enquiry, users must be registered for an HMLR business e-service account. Of course, while the important details are available on the system, they will only be shared if the conveyancer can clearly prove it’s relevant to them and their client’s property purchase or sale.

That means additional information may be required from the conveyancer’s clients before they can obtain that clarification. However, once that’s done, the process is quick and helpful. 

“Data protection is key for every business and the HMLR is no different,” said Battersea estate agent Eden Harper “Provided everyone is confident that particular information should be shared, then things can move much more quickly than before.”

Conveyancer’s Thumbs Up

A survey by HMLR of those conveyancer’s who use Application Enquiry, shows 89% of respondents said the service was “excellent”. Meanwhile, 59% said they found everything they needed to on the system.

Indeed, HMLR are now in the process of sharing some top tips on how to get the best out of its new service. This is in part to promote it to conveyancers, but also, to help users get the best out of it for themselves and their clients.

The first two tips issued by HMLR are:

·         To search by HMLR Reference, to speed your search up. By using your unique application reference, you won’t need to scroll through a list of title numbers, but instead will immediately be sent to the right application page with all the relevant information displayed on it.

·         Save application details as a PDF. This is quicker and safer than a screen shot and, the PDF is saved as an HMLR branded document, making it the perfect piece of paperwork to send out when proof of progress is requested.

“HMLR are working to make the conveyancing process easier to navigate for conveyancers and it’s something that is sure to win them more praise form their clients,” said Knightsbridge estate agent, Plaza Estates. “Conveyancers work hard and have to follow up on multiple enquiries, so this system is a welcome development for them and the housing market.”