📊 Latest data: HMLR received over 4.4 million applications last year, of which more than 947,000 (around 22%) required a requisition. More than 600,000 individual requisition points were raised for avoidable administrative errors alone. Nearly half of all requisitions could be prevented.
When HM Land Registry cannot complete a registration application because information is missing, incorrect, or a plan does not meet their requirements, they issue a requisition — a formal request for corrections or additional information. If the issues are serious enough, the application may be rejected outright.
Either way, it means delays. Requisitions add an average of 15 working days to simple applications, and more than six weeks for complex ones. In some cases, applications have gone back and forth for over a year before being resolved.
In this guide, we cover the most common Land Registry rejection reasons, with particular focus on plan-related issues, and share practical advice on how to avoid them.
1. Requisition vs Rejection — What’s the Difference?
It is worth understanding the distinction. A requisition is a request for further information — your application is paused but retains its priority while you provide the missing details. A rejection under rule 16(3) of the Land Registration Rules 2003 is more severe: the application is returned entirely, and you must resubmit from scratch once the defects are corrected.
HMLR typically reserves outright rejection for applications that have “no prospect of success” — for example, where a deed refers to a plan but none is attached, or where the land simply cannot be identified from the submitted documents. Most errors result in a requisition rather than rejection, but both cause delays and additional costs.
2. Plan-Related Rejection Reasons
As a firm that has prepared Land Registry plans since 1994, plan deficiencies are what we know best — and they are among the most common reasons for HMLR requisitions. Under Practice Guide 40, plans must meet specific standards. Here are the most frequent plan-related failures:
Plans that trigger rejection:
No plan attached: The deed refers to a plan but it is missing from the application — immediate rejection.
Extent cannot be identified on the OS map: The property shown on the plan cannot be related to the Ordnance Survey map due to insufficient surrounding detail.
Extent not clearly defined: No red edging, colouring, or hatching to show which land is being dealt with.
Plan too distorted: Significant scaling or distortion preventing identification of the extent.
Plans that trigger requisition:
No north point: Essential for HMLR to orientate the plan against the OS map.
No scale or incorrect scale: Plan must be drawn to a stated scale (1:200, 1:500, 1:1250, or 1:2500).
Printed at wrong size: A common issue when printing from PDF — “fit to page” settings reduce the plan, making the stated scale inaccurate.
Disclaimer text present: Phrases like “do not scale”, “for identification purposes only”, or “draft” must not appear on the final plan.
Plan not signed: Where a plan accompanies a deed, it must be signed by the relevant parties.
Black and white plan submitted where colour is needed: If the deed refers to coloured markings, the plan must be in colour.
Lease plan showing wrong wall line: Red edging on the external wall when it should be on the internal wall (or vice versa) depending on the lease type.
3. Form and Document Errors
Beyond plan issues, many rejections and requisitions are caused by basic administrative mistakes in the application forms and supporting documents:
Name discrepancies: Names in the transfer deed do not match those on the register — even minor spelling differences trigger a requisition.
Undated deeds: Deeds without a completion date, or with a date that is illegible or handwritten unclearly.
Missing signatures or improper execution: Deeds not properly witnessed or signed according to requirements.
Incorrect fee: The wrong fee submitted, or no fee at all. HMLR will normally call within a day to resolve this.
Missing address for service: Failure to provide up to three current addresses for service on the application form.
Missing power of attorney certificate: Where required, failure to include a conveyancer’s certificate in the prescribed form.
Identity panel errors: Incomplete or incorrect identity verification in the AP1 or FR1 form.
Don’t Let Your Plan Be the Reason for Delay
Every plan we produce is checked against Practice Guide 40 before delivery. Our 100% acceptance rate speaks for itself.
First registrations have some of the highest requisition rates of any application type. This is because they are inherently complex — dealing with unregistered land, old deed plans, and sometimes centuries-old documents. Common issues include:
Old deed plans that cannot be related to the OS map: Hand-drawn plans from decades ago often lack the detail needed for HMLR to identify the land.
Boundary discrepancies: Physical boundaries on the ground do not match the boundaries described in the old deeds.
Missing title deeds: The chain of ownership is incomplete — missing conveyances or transfers.
Incomplete form DL: The list of documents accompanying the FR1 application is incomplete or incorrectly compiled.
No statutory declaration where deeds are lost: Where original deeds have been lost or destroyed, a statutory declaration is required.
For first registrations especially, a professionally prepared plan that reconciles old deed boundaries with current OS mapping can prevent months of delay. Read our complete guide to first registration for more details.
5. Lease-Specific Errors
Lease registrations bring their own set of common pitfalls:
Missing prescribed clauses: Leases granted after 19 June 2006 must contain prescribed clauses at the beginning — without them, the lease cannot be registered.
Lease plan does not show the correct demise: The area edged in red does not match the verbal description of the property in the lease.
No separate floor plans: For leases covering parts of a building, each floor must be shown on a separate plan.
Communal areas not distinguished: Shared hallways, stairs, and service areas must be clearly identified.
Commencement date issues: Errors in the lease start date or term calculation.
6. How to Avoid Requisitions and Rejections
HMLR publishes a range of free resources to help conveyancers improve application quality. Here are the most effective steps you can take:
Use HMLR’s application checklists: Separate checklists are available for registered land applications and first registrations — they cover the most common requisition points.
Check names against the register before submitting: Ensure all names match exactly between the deed, the application form, and the current register entries.
Use a specialist for your plans: Plan deficiencies are among the most common and most avoidable causes of requisition. A PG40-compliant plan from a specialist removes this risk entirely.
Print plans at the correct size: When printing from PDF, always use “actual size” rather than “fit to page” to preserve the stated scale.
Remove all disclaimers from final plans: Draft disclaimers are fine during negotiations but must be removed from the plan submitted for registration.
Double-check deed execution: Ensure deeds are properly signed, witnessed, and dated before submission.
Use the HMLR portal for electronic submission: Over 90% of applications are now lodged digitally, and the portal can catch some errors at submission.
Progress is possible: HMLR’s latest data shows that 29% of professional customers have reduced their avoidable requisition rates, and 1 in 5 firms now achieve rates under 1%. Free training and support resources are available through the HMLR training hub.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of Land Registry applications get requisitioned?
Around 22% of all applications receive a requisition. Some firms see rates as high as 50%, while the best-performing firms achieve rates under 1%.
How long does a requisition delay my application?
On average, a requisition adds around 15 working days to a simple application. For complex cases, delays of six weeks or more are common. Some applications with multiple requisitions have taken over a year to resolve.
Can HMLR reject my application without raising a requisition first?
Yes. Under rule 16(3) of the Land Registration Rules 2003, HMLR can reject an application outright if it is substantially defective — for example, if a deed refers to a plan that is not attached, or the land cannot be identified from the submitted documents.
What happens if I don’t respond to a requisition?
If you fail to provide the requested information within the time allowed, HMLR may cancel your application. This means you lose your priority date and would need to resubmit from scratch.
Is my title plan the most common cause of rejection?
Plan deficiencies are among the most common causes, particularly for transfers of part, first registrations, and leases. However, basic administrative errors such as name discrepancies and unsigned deeds account for a significant proportion of overall requisitions.
Need a Compliant Plan?
Plan deficiencies are among the most avoidable causes of Land Registry delay. At Towers Richardson, every plan is prepared using licensed Ordnance Survey data and checked against Practice Guide 40 requirements before delivery. We have maintained a 100% HMLR acceptance rate since 1994.
Last updated: February 2026 — using HMLR data from November 2025
📅 This page is updated regularly. We check HM Land Registry’s official processing times page each month and update the figures below. Bookmark this page and check back whenever you need the latest timescales.
One of the most common questions we hear from solicitors, conveyancers and homeowners alike is: how long does the Land Registry take?
The honest answer is that it depends — on the type of application, the complexity of your transaction, and how accurately the paperwork has been prepared. Some applications are processed within minutes. Others can take well over a year.
In this guide, we break down the current HM Land Registry processing times for every major application type, explain what causes delays, and share practical steps you can take to avoid them. All figures are based on official HMLR data.
The key thing to know: Your legal rights are protected from the moment HMLR receives your application — not when they finish processing it. Even if it takes months to complete, your transaction is secured from day one.
Current Processing Times at a Glance
HM Land Registry processes approximately 2.5 million applications per month. The vast majority — around 83.5% — are completed within a single day. These are mostly automated information requests such as official searches and official copies.
The applications that take longer are those that require a caseworker to review them manually. These include property transfers, first registrations, new leases and transfers of part.
Here is a summary of current processing times based on HMLR’s most recent published data:
Application Type
50% Completed In
Most Completed In
Official searches & copies
1 day
1–3 days
Search of the Index Map
2 days
2–3 days
Simple register changes (remove mortgage, standard restriction)
Minutes
Automated — same day
Transfers of whole (name changes, ownership transfers)
~19 weeks
~9 months
First registrations
~9 months
~13 months
Transfers of part & new leases (with prep work)
~7 months
~12 months
Transfers of part & new leases (without prep work)
As you can see, the difference between a straightforward search and a complex registration can be enormous. Let’s look at each category in more detail.
Information Services & Searches (1–3 Days)
The fastest Land Registry services are the information requests — official searches, official copies of the title register and title plan, and searches of the index map. These are the services your solicitor or conveyancer uses to check ownership details before a transaction goes ahead.
HMLR processes approximately 2.1 million of these requests every month, and the vast majority are handled very quickly:
93.4% of information requests are completed within 1 day
97.6% are completed within 2 days
99.7% are completed within 3 days
Only 0.3% take longer than 3 days
If a search needs to be handled manually — for example, a search of the index map where the property boundary needs to be verified — it may take 2 to 3 days rather than being processed instantly. But overall, information services are the one area where HMLR’s performance is consistently fast.
What this means for your transaction: Conveyancing searches should not hold up your purchase or sale. If your solicitor tells you they are waiting on Land Registry search results, it should only be a matter of days — not weeks.
Transfers & Register Updates (1 Day – 11 Months)
Once a property sale completes and stamp duty has been paid, the solicitor submits an application to HMLR to update the register with the new owner’s details, mortgage information, and any other changes. This is where processing times start to vary significantly.
HMLR handles approximately 413,000 register update applications per month. The breakdown looks like this:
Timescale
Percentage Completed
Within 1 day
41.3%
Within 1 week
9.2%
Within 1 month
4.0%
Within 3 months
9.3%
Longer than 3 months
36.2%
The good news is that just over 41% of register updates are now automated and completed within minutes. These are typically straightforward applications like removing a discharged mortgage or registering a standard form of restriction — applications where the data can be validated electronically without a caseworker needing to check it.
The less encouraging picture is for the remaining applications that require manual processing. If your transfer of ownership needs a caseworker to review it, HMLR’s current data shows:
50% completed in about 19 weeks (roughly 4½ months)
Most completed in about 9 months
Some taking up to 11 months
These figures apply to transfers of whole title — meaning you are selling or buying an entire property, not just part of it. If you are selling part of your land (a transfer of part), the timescales are even longer — see the next section.
Important reminder: Even though registration may take months to complete, your ownership is legally protected from the moment HMLR receives the application. You do not need to wait for registration to complete before moving in, taking out a mortgage, or treating the property as yours.
First Registrations, Leases & Transfers of Part (7–14 Months)
The longest processing times are for complex applications — first registrations of unregistered land, new leases, transfers of part, and multi-title developer applications. HMLR processes approximately 35,000 of these per month, and the timescales are significantly longer than standard transfers.
First Registrations
If you are registering land or property with HMLR for the first time — for example, following the sale of a property that has never been registered — expect the following timescales:
50% completed in about 9 months
Most completed in about 13 months
A small number may take a few weeks longer depending on complexity
First registrations are inherently more complex because HMLR has to create a new title from scratch. They need to examine the original deeds, verify the applicant’s ownership chain, reconcile old deed plan boundaries with current Ordnance Survey mapping, and create a brand new title plan. If the deeds are old, unclear or incomplete, this adds further time.
Transfers of Part & New Leases
Applications to divide an existing title (transfer of part) or register a new lease (dispositionary first lease) are also among the slowest to process. Processing times depend heavily on whether preparatory work has been done with HMLR in advance:
Scenario
50% Completed In
Most Completed In
With preparatory work
~7 months
~12 months
Without preparatory work
~11 months
~14 months
The difference between these two scenarios is significant — 4 months faster when preparatory work has been done. This is particularly relevant for property developers submitting multiple plot sales. Working with HMLR to agree boundaries and plan requirements before the first sale goes through can dramatically reduce processing times for every subsequent plot.
A Major Factor: Requisitions
One of the most striking statistics from HMLR’s data is that between 55% and 65% of complex applications contain errors or omissions that require HMLR to go back to the applicant for clarification. Each time this happens, the application goes to the back of the queue while the caseworker waits for a response — potentially adding weeks or months to the total processing time.
This is a factor that is within your control. We cover this in detail in the sections below.
Don’t Let Your Plan Cause a Delay
We prepare HMLR-compliant plans with a 100% acceptance rate. Most plans delivered within 24 hours.
If you have been waiting months for a Land Registry application to complete, you are not alone — and the reasons for the current processing times are well documented:
Post-Pandemic Backlog
The Stamp Duty Land Tax holiday introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic triggered an enormous surge in property transactions. HMLR was already under pressure before the pandemic, and the resulting wave of applications created a backlog that has taken years to work through. Although the holiday ended in 2021, the knock-on effects on processing times are still being felt.
Staffing and Capacity
HMLR has increased its caseworker workforce by around 1,000 people in recent years, including over 500 in the last two years alone. However, training new caseworkers takes time, and the complexity of many applications means that experience matters. The expanded workforce is helping, but the impact on processing times has been gradual rather than immediate.
High Requisition Rates
As noted above, the majority of complex applications contain errors that require HMLR to send a requisition — a request for clarification or additional information. Every requisition pauses the application and adds to the overall workload. Reducing the number of avoidable requisitions would make a significant difference to processing times across the board.
Digital Transformation
HMLR is investing in automation and digital submission to speed up processing. Around 30% of register update applications are already automated and completed within minutes. The Digital Registration Service and Business Gateway APIs are handling hundreds of thousands of applications, with further improvements planned through 2026 and beyond. But automating complex, caseworker-reviewed applications is a longer-term project.
Requisitions — The Biggest Cause of Avoidable Delay
A requisition is when HMLR writes to the applicant’s solicitor to request corrections or additional information before the application can be processed. It is the single biggest cause of avoidable delay.
According to HMLR’s own data, 55% to 65% of complex applications are raised as requisitions. That means the majority of first registrations, new leases and transfers of part get sent back at least once before they can be completed.
Common reasons for requisitions include:
Plan deficiencies — the submitted plan does not meet Practice Guide 40 requirements (missing north point, no scale bar, prohibited phrases, insufficient surrounding detail)
Missing documents — required supporting documents not included with the application
Form errors — incorrect or incomplete application forms
Description mismatch — the verbal description in the deed does not match what is shown on the plan
Boundary ambiguity — HMLR cannot determine the intended boundary from the plan and deed combined
Fee issues — incorrect fee paid for the application type
Every requisition that could have been avoided represents weeks — sometimes months — of unnecessary delay. The plan is one of the most common sources of requisitions, and it is one of the easiest to get right by using a specialist provider.
How to Avoid Delays to Your Application
While you cannot control HMLR’s backlog or staffing levels, there are practical steps you can take to give your application the best chance of being processed without unnecessary hold-ups:
Use a compliant plan from the outset — ensure your Land Registry plan meets all Practice Guide 40 requirements before submission. A non-compliant plan is one of the most common reasons for requisition.
Check all forms thoroughly — make sure application forms (AP1, FR1, TP1, etc.) are completed correctly with no missing fields or signatures
Include all required documents — title deeds, certified copies, consents, certificates — check the application requirements for your specific transaction type
Ensure deed and plan match — the verbal description in the deed must correspond accurately with what is shown on the plan
Submit digitally where possible — applications submitted through the HMLR portal or Business Gateway are processed faster than paper applications
Use preparatory services for developments — if you are a developer, engaging HMLR early to agree boundaries and requirements can save months on every subsequent plot sale
Respond to requisitions promptly — if HMLR does raise a requisition, respond as quickly as possible with all the information requested. Delayed responses extend processing times further.
Pay the correct fee — fee calculators are available on GOV.UK to ensure you submit the right amount
Our experience: The applications we see going through fastest are those where the plan is fully PG40-compliant, the forms are correct, and all documents are included from the start. Getting everything right upfront removes the single most common cause of delay — the requisition.
How to Expedite a Land Registry Application
If a delay to your application would cause significant problems or put a property transaction at risk, you can ask HMLR to expedite (fast-track) your application. This is a free service — there is no charge for requesting it.
HMLR helped over 200,000 applicants through the expedite service in the past year, and the vast majority of expedited applications are processed within 10 working days.
When Can You Request an Expedite?
You can request an expedite when a delay would:
Put a property sale or transaction at risk — for example, a chain is about to collapse or a mortgage offer is expiring
Cause financial hardship or serious problems — for example, a refinancing deal depends on the registration being completed
Affect a development timetable — where registration is needed before construction or further sales can proceed
You will need to provide evidence to support your request — such as a memorandum of sale, exchange of contracts, or a mortgage offer with an expiry date.
How to Request an Expedite
You (or your solicitor) can request an expedite by:
Include your application reference number, the title number (if applicable), and a clear explanation of why the delay is causing problems, supported by evidence.
Don’t Let Your Plan Be the Reason for Delay
Of all the factors that cause requisitions, the plan is one of the most frequently cited — and one of the most avoidable. A plan that does not comply with Practice Guide 40 will be sent back, adding months to an already lengthy process.
The most common plan-related issues that trigger requisitions are:
Prohibited phrases on the plan — such as “for identification purposes only” or “not to scale”
No stated scale or scale bar
Missing north point
Insufficient surrounding detail — HMLR cannot locate the property on the Ordnance Survey map
Gaps in the boundary edging — the coloured line does not form a complete enclosure
Based on outdated mapping — not using current Ordnance Survey data
Using estate agent plans — marketing floor plans are not suitable for Land Registry submissions
At Towers Richardson, every plan we prepare is checked against Practice Guide 40, Supplement 2 before delivery. We use licensed, current Ordnance Survey data, draw to stated metric scales, and ensure full compliance with HMLR’s requirements. Our 100% acceptance rate since 1994 means one less thing that can go wrong with your application.
Plans start from £115, and most are delivered within 24 hours. When your application could be sitting in a queue for months, there is no reason to risk an additional delay because of the plan.
Plans from £115. Delivered in 24 Hours.
100% HMLR acceptance rate since 1994. Trusted by solicitors, developers and property professionals across England & Wales.
How long does Land Registry take to transfer ownership?
For a straightforward transfer of whole title (buying or selling an entire property), HMLR currently completes 50% of applications in about 19 weeks. Most are completed in about 9 months, with some taking up to 11 months. Simple register changes like removing a mortgage are automated and completed the same day.
How long does a first registration take?
First registrations of previously unregistered land currently take about 9 months for 50% of applications, with most completed in about 13 months. These take longer because HMLR has to examine the original deeds and create a completely new title from scratch.
How long does it take to register a new lease?
New lease registrations currently take about 7 months (50% of applications) where preparatory work has been done, or about 11 months where it has not. Most are completed within 12 to 14 months.
How long does a Land Registry search take?
Official searches and official copies are very fast — 93.4% are completed within 1 day, and 99.7% within 3 days. A search of the index map may take 2 to 3 days if it needs to be processed manually.
Can I speed up a Land Registry application?
Yes. If a delay would cause significant problems or put a transaction at risk, you can request a free expedite from HMLR. Most expedited applications are processed within 10 working days. You can also reduce the risk of delay by ensuring your plan, forms and documents are all correct before submission.
Why is Land Registry taking so long?
The main factors are the post-pandemic application backlog, the time needed to train new caseworkers, and the high rate of requisitions (55–65% of complex applications contain errors). HMLR is investing in automation and digital services to improve processing times, but progress has been gradual.
What is a requisition?
A requisition is when HMLR writes to the applicant’s solicitor asking for corrections or additional information. It pauses the application until the requested information is provided. Common causes include non-compliant plans, form errors, and missing documents.
Is my property safe while waiting for Land Registry?
Yes. Your legal rights are protected from the moment HMLR receives the application. Even if processing takes months, no other application lodged after yours can take priority over it. This is known as “priority protection.”
How do I check the status of my Land Registry application?
Your solicitor can check the status through the HMLR portal. HMLR also publishes estimated completion timeframes at gov.uk, which are updated monthly and give a forward-looking estimate of when your specific application type is likely to be completed.
Can a non-compliant plan delay my application?
Absolutely. Plan deficiencies are one of the most common causes of requisition. If your plan does not meet Practice Guide 40 requirements, HMLR will raise a requisition and your application will be paused until a compliant replacement is submitted. Using a specialist plan provider avoids this entirely.
Need a Land Registry Plan?
With processing times stretching to 9 months or more for many application types, the last thing you want is an avoidable delay caused by a non-compliant plan. At Towers Richardson, we have been preparing Land Registry plans since 1994 — and we have maintained a 100% HMLR acceptance rate throughout.
Every plan is prepared using licensed Ordnance Survey data, professional CAD software, and checked against Practice Guide 40 requirements before delivery. We work with solicitors, estate agents, property developers, housing associations and homeowners across England and Wales.
On 9 December 2024, HM Land Registry increased the cost of its information services for the first time in over ten years. If you’re a solicitor, conveyancer, estate agent, or property owner who regularly accesses title plans, title registers, or official search results, you’ll now be paying more than double the previous price for electronic copies.
The headline change is straightforward: electronic copies of title registers and title plans have increased from £3 to £7 each. But the full picture is broader than that, and there are some important details worth understanding — particularly if you’re involved in property transactions on a regular basis.
Key Takeaway: The fee increase applies to information services — accessing documents and conducting searches. Registration services fees (Scale 1 and Scale 2 for registering transfers, leases, and mortgages) were last changed in January 2022 and remain unchanged by this update.
1. What Changed on 9 December 2024
The Land Registration Fee Order 2024 came into effect on 9 December 2024, updating the fees for HM Land Registry’s information services. These are the fees you pay when requesting copies of documents, conducting official searches, or inspecting the register.
The changes affect three main areas:
Official copies — title registers, title plans, and filed documents (deeds, charges, conveyances)
Official searches — priority searches (OS1, OS2, OS3), home rights searches (HR3), and index map searches (SIM)
Agricultural Credits and Land Charges — registration and search fees under these separate registers
HM Land Registry stated that the increase reflects the rising costs of running and improving their services, along with investment in digitalisation and data transformation. They also noted that even at the new prices, most customers are still paying less than they were in 1992.
2. Information Services Fee Breakdown
Here’s how the key fees compare before and after the December 2024 changes:
Official Copies (Title Documents)
Document
Electronic (Portal/Gateway)
Postal
Title Register (OC1)
£7was £3
£11was £7
Title Plan (OC1)
£7was £3
£11was £7
Copy of a Filed Document (OC2)
£7was £3
£11was £7
Historical Edition of Register/Plan (HC1)
£7was £3
£11was £7
Exempt Information Document (EX2)
£7was £3
£11was £7
Official Searches
Search Type
Electronic (Portal/Gateway)
Postal
Priority Search — Whole Title (OS1)
£7was £3
£11was £7
Priority Search — Part Title (OS2)
£7was £3
£11was £7
Non-Priority Search — Whole Title (OS3)
£7was £3
£11was £7
Home Rights Search (HR3)
£7was £3
£11was £7
Index Map Search (SIM) — up to 5 titles
£8was £4
Proprietors’ Name Search (PN1)
£15 per name (post only)
The pattern is consistent: electronic fees have moved from £3 to £7 (a 133% increase), and postal fees have moved from £7 to £11 (a 57% increase). The gap between electronic and postal pricing is designed to encourage digital submissions.
Worth Noting: If you only need a title plan or register for your own property, the cheapest route is the Search for Land and Property Information service on GOV.UK — £7 per document, delivered electronically.
3. Registration Services Fees
It’s worth clarifying that the December 2024 changes only apply to information services. The fees for actually registering property transactions — known as Scale 1 and Scale 2 fees — were last increased on 31 January 2022 and remain unchanged.
Scale 1 fees apply to registrations involving monetary consideration (property sales, new mortgages, first registrations). Scale 2 fees apply to transfers not for monetary value (assents following death, trustee changes, matrimonial transfers).
These fees are based on the value of the property or consideration involved, ranging from £45 for properties up to £80,000 to several hundred pounds for high-value transactions. You can check the exact fee for any transaction using the HM Land Registry fee calculator.
HM Land Registry has indicated that a more substantial review of their overall charging structure is planned following a consultation, but no timeline has been confirmed for further changes.
4. What This Means for Property Transactions
For a single property purchase or sale, the fee increase is modest — an extra £4 per document. But the costs add up quickly for professionals handling multiple transactions, and for certain types of work, the cumulative impact is significant.
For Solicitors & Conveyancers
A standard residential conveyancing transaction typically requires at minimum a title register, a title plan, and an OS1 priority search — that’s £21 in electronic fees where it was previously £9. Add in a copy of a filed document (lease, transfer deed, or plan) and an index map search, and the costs climb further. For firms handling hundreds of transactions a year, the annual increase is substantial.
For Estate Agents
Under the Material Information requirements, agents are increasingly expected to verify property details using Land Registry documents. At £7 per title plan and £7 per register, the cost of checking even basic details for each instruction has more than doubled.
For Property Developers
Development projects involving multiple plots, ransom strips, access rights, and neighbouring titles can require dozens of title searches. A development of 50 plots where each requires a title plan and register check now costs £700 in search fees alone — up from £300.
For Homeowners
If you need to check your own title plan or register — for example, to understand your property boundaries or check what’s registered against your title — the cost has increased from £3 to £7 per document. For a title register and title plan together, that’s £14.
5. How to Avoid Overpaying
One of the biggest issues with Land Registry document access is the number of third-party websites that repackage official Land Registry data at inflated prices. These sites often appear prominently in search results — sometimes above the official GOV.UK service — and charge significantly more than the official fees.
Some of these sites charge £20, £30, or even more for a title plan that costs £7 directly from HM Land Registry. They’re accessing exactly the same data — there’s no added value.
Avoid paid search ads that mimic the official Land Registry service. The official GOV.UK site will never appear as a paid advertisement.
Verify the price before entering payment details. If you’re being charged more than £7 for an electronic title plan or register, you’re not on the official site.
Be cautious with bundled services. Some third-party sites bundle a title plan and register together with added “reports” and charge a premium. If all you need is the official document, go directly to GOV.UK.
Quick Link: The official HM Land Registry search service is at search-property-information.service.gov.uk — bookmark it to avoid accidentally landing on a reseller site.
6. Does This Affect Our Plan Prices?
The HM Land Registry fee increase relates to the cost of accessing existing documents — title plans, title registers, and search results. It does not directly affect the cost of having a new Land Registry-compliant plan prepared.
At Towers Richardson, our plans are prepared to meet the requirements of Practice Guide 40 and are submitted as part of your solicitor’s application to register a transaction. The Land Registry registration fee (Scale 1 or Scale 2) is paid separately by your solicitor as part of the application process.
Our plan preparation fees start from £115 and remain unaffected by the information services fee increase. We continue to offer 24-hour turnaround as standard and maintain a 100% HM Land Registry acceptance rate.
How much does a title plan cost from HM Land Registry?
An official copy of a title plan costs £7 when ordered electronically through the HM Land Registry portal or Business Gateway. A postal copy costs £11. These prices came into effect on 9 December 2024.
How much does a title register cost from HM Land Registry?
An official copy of a title register costs £7 electronically or £11 by post, the same as a title plan. If you need both documents for the same property, the total cost is £14 electronically or £22 by post.
When did HM Land Registry fees increase?
Information services fees (title plans, registers, searches, and filed documents) increased on 9 December 2024 under the Land Registration Fee Order 2024. Registration services fees (Scale 1 and Scale 2 for property registrations) were last increased on 31 January 2022 and remain unchanged.
Why did HM Land Registry increase their fees?
HM Land Registry stated that the increase reflects the rising costs of running and improving their services, along with investment in digitalisation and data transformation. The information services fees had not been changed for more than ten years prior to this increase.
Where is the official HM Land Registry search service?
The official service is at search-property-information.service.gov.uk. Be cautious of third-party websites that appear in search results and charge more than the official £7 fee for electronic copies. If the website address doesn’t end in .gov.uk, it’s a reseller.
Do the fee increases affect the cost of having a Land Registry plan prepared?
No. The fee increase applies to accessing existing documents from HM Land Registry. The cost of having a new Land Registry-compliant plan prepared by a specialist like Towers Richardson is separate. Our plan preparation fees start from £115 and are unaffected by the information services fee change.
Can I get a free title plan?
HM Land Registry does not provide free title plans to the public. The minimum cost is £7 for an electronic copy. If you’re buying a property, your solicitor or conveyancer will obtain the title documents as part of the transaction — the cost is usually included in their disbursements. Some third-party sites advertise “free” title information but may only provide limited details or require a paid upgrade for the full document.
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