Published 9 February 2017 Last updated 23 January 2018 Government response added. First published.
The Land Registry is proposing changes to the Land Registration Rules 2003, such as introducing electronic signatures for documents relating to land. The e-signatures will be encrypted through the Land Registry's servers and sent to parties to sign. The documents will have the same legal standing as a deed, which was the only way property ownership could be legally transferred until now. However, this is not complete electronic conveyancing as transactions will still need to be completed by staff. However, the Land Registry believes these changes are required sooner to meet users' changing demands. The proposal is open for consultation until 5 April.