HM Land Registry has launched two consultations on fees and access to its data as part of efforts to “increase the public value of [the agency’s] data and improve access to land ownership information”.
Open from now until 22nd December 2026, the consultations seeks views on a simplified approach to Scale Two fees, a transfer where no money changes hands or less than market value is paid and registering a mortgage, and enabling easier access to information including datasets on significant land holdings and land held by commercial entities.
“Information held by HM Land Registry is crucial in helping us make smarter decisions on how land is used to build the homes and infrastructure we need. That’s why we’ve launched a new consultation to improve access to this invaluable data for housebuilders, businesses, and local communities” explained Baroness Taylor, Minister for Housing and Local Government. “Under our proposals, everyone would be able to access datasets showing ownership across the vast majority of land in England and Wales, helping to increase transparency and support better-informed decisions about land use. This is alongside proposals to streamline HMLR’s fee structure that will help avoid unnecessary delays when using their services.”
As it stands Scales Two registration fees are based on the value of the property, say HMLR. can be hard to determine in some circumstances, leading to requisitions and further delays. The proposal being consulted on in Consultation on restructuring HM Land Registry fees is the introduction of two clear fixed fees: one for changes of ownership where the full market value of the land or property has not been paid and one for the registration of mortgages.
Although no formal proposals are included in the consultation, HMLR are also consulting on views around Scale One fees, involving transfer of ownership for value, such as the purchase of a property or land. Again these fees are currently based on the value of the transaction, with different fee bands applying depending on the market value of the land or property being transacted: “The question linked to this in the consultation is intended to gather early views and should not be taken as a proposal to change Scale 1 fees at this stage. Any future changes would be subject to further policy development and consultation” said HMLR in the consultation.
The second consultation Future of access to HM Land Registry information seeks views on measures to improve access to HMLR data, including cost-free access for the public sector.
The proposals would allow free of charge access to mappable datasets relating to commercially owned and significant land holdings. They would also be able to inspect the more detailed title information for that land free of charge; currently all titles are publicly accessible, but most can only be obtained individually at a cost of £7 said HMLR. Importantly, public access would not extend to information about the majority of ordinary homeowners. Nor do the proposals include changes to fees for the Official Copies normally required for legal transactions.
The proposals could extend to public sector bodies and researchers working in the public interest, such as academics, regulators and investigative journalists provided they can demonstrate a public-interest purpose and meet appropriate requirements for safe use and responsible publication
Iain Banfield, Chief Executive, HM Land Registry said: “We are dedicated to making our services easier for everyone. To do this we need to understand and balance the needs of the thousands of people who use these services. The proposals in these consultations have the potential to dramatically improve the way we. work with our customers, and feedback will only make these proposals stronger.
“The proposals are designed to balance the benefits of greater transparency against privacy risks and the impact on HMLR’s revenue. The level of access would depend on who is accessing the information and for what purpose, with proportionate safeguards applying in each case”
The consultations are open now
Consultation on restructuring HM Land Registry fees
Consultation: Future of access to HM Land Registry information
