Land Registry Property Alerts

Posted on 20th September 2022 by Streets General


Image to represent Land Registry Property Alerts

HM Land Registry's property alert service is a free service to help protect property owners from fraud. The counter-fraud security measure was introduced by the Land Registry to monitor registered properties where there is a concern that it might be subject to a fraudulent sale or mortgage. The alert service can be used to monitor up to ten properties. It is a particularly useful fraud warning tool if you have an unencumbered property.

The property alert service can be used to monitor any property in England or Wales that is registered with the Land Registry. Once registered, owners or other interested parties will receive email alerts when certain activity occurs on their monitored properties, allowing them to act if necessary. For example, this could be an alert that a new mortgage has been taken out. You don't have to own a property to set up an alert.

Tenanted, unoccupied and mortgage-free properties have been known to be particularly vulnerable to fraud. Fraudsters can attempt to acquire ownership of a property either by using a forged document to transfer it into their own name, or by impersonating the registered owner. They can then use this bogus evidence to support a mortgage application. Once the mortgage is completed the offender disappears, leaving the property owner to pay the bill.

Private owners and companies who feel their property might be at risk can also apply to have a restriction entered on their title register which is designed to help prevent forgery.


No Advice

The content produced and presented by Streets is for general guidance and informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal, tax, investment, financial or other advice. Furthermore, it should not be considered a recommendation or an offer to sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities or other form of financial asset. The information provided by Streets is of a general nature and is not specific for any individual or entity. Appropriate and tailored advice or independent research should be obtained before making any such decisions. Streets does not accept any liability for any loss or damage which is incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of obtaining Streets' visual or audible content.

Information

The content used by Streets has been obtained from or is based on sources that we believe to be accurate and reliable. Although reasonable care has been taken in gathering the necessary information, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information we publish and we accept no liability for any errors or omissions in material. You should always seek specific advice prior to making any investment, legal or tax decisions.


Expert insight and news straight
to your inbox

Related Articles


Government Forces Water Companies to Double Compensation

The UK government has announced significant reforms to enhance compensation for customers affected by water service failures. Under new regulations, water companies will be mandated to increase compensation payments for issues such as supply


New online tax tools for the self-employed

Navigating tax obligations can be daunting for small business owners and sole traders. To make life easier, HMRC has introduced new interactive tools, including a Sole Trader Setup Guide and VAT Registration Estimator, helping businesses understand


Self-assessment scam warning

Scammers are on the rise as the Self-Assessment deadline nears! HMRC warns that HMRC never emails or texts about tax refunds. Stay alert, report suspicious contacts, and protect your money from fraudsters. Fraudsters are increasingly targeting

You might also be interested in...