HM Land Registry has announced it is accepting Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) and is encouraging conveyancers to start submitting applications signed using the digital tool straight away.
‘QES are the most secure form of electronic signature – no paper or witness needed’, HMLR said. Pointing out that the signature tools use ‘long-established, well-regulated technology’, the organisation added:
“Adopting this technology will bring greater security and ease for anyone involved in buying or selling residential or commercial property.”
HMLR said it is keen to support interested lawyers ‘as the property market increasingly looks towards the new signature technology for the benefits it offers them and their clients’.
The electronic signature offers greater security and assurance for everyone involved in a property transaction, HMLR added, and said removing the need for a third party to witness the execution of a deed would offer greater flexibility and simplicity.
Andy Roddy, deputy director of digital services at HMLR, commented:
“We are excited to enable our customers the option to use Qualified Electronic Signatures in their land registration applications. This marks another major step forward in our ongoing digital transformation, as we keep pace with – and meet the needs of – our most technologically advanced customers. We hope all of our customers will be able to benefit from this new and valuable technology.”
Stephen Ward, director of strategy and external relatioins at the Council for Licensed Conveyancers, called the move ‘a very welcome step’. He continued:
“[It] helps to make a fully digital conveyancing process easier to achieve, with all the improvements to confidence and speed that will bring.”
HMLR is inviting all those interested in using the technology to contact QES@landregistry.gov.uk and said further details of the use of QES will be released in due course.
4 responses
How long will it be before the Land Registry becomes itself a victim of cybercrime. Does it believe it is uniquely immune from cyberattacks?
There are few benefits for property lawyers this ‘initiative’. Moreover it increases the risk of professional negligence claims if a registered proprietor claims the QES was not unauthorised.
There are many things property lawyers need from the Land Registry. QES isn’t one of them.
You couldn’t be more wrong.
I had an email from HMLR on this point this morning & opened with interest.
Read it. None the wiser. Googled it & apparently to do a QES you need a QES device.
Googled that to see what a QES device is. None the wiser.
Gave up at that point.
Contact HMLR via the email address provided above, they may be able to help you.