E-Conveyancing

E-conveyancing will transform the current paper-based conveyancing system into electronic documents, requisitions and signatures and is a central pillar of the Government's agenda to modernise public services.

The Land Registry has already started the process. For some time we have been able to make essential searches and obtain title information and documents electronically. Lenders have been able to discharge mortgages electronically and is possible for certain minor applications to be lodged electronically. In cases where the Land Registry have queries on registration applications some regional offices raise these by email.

The main proposed development in e-conveyancing was to be involve the 'chain matrix'. This would signal, to all involved in the process, readiness for exchange and completion and would have notepad and messaging facilities. Following a wide spread pilot, development on the chain matrix has stopped by the Land Registry although the Land Resgistry has indicated its willingness to work with software developers willing to progress matters. The Land Registry is presently concentrating on extending the types of transactions which can be handled electronically. By 2010, transfer of ownership, removal of old mortgage from the register and registration of new mortgages will all be possible over the Internet.

It is understood that chain transparency and funds transfer are still very much part of the Land Registry's long term vision. Meanwhile there is public access to the title registers and plans online for 20 million properties.

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