HM Land Registry has released official figures revealing the number of fraudulent applications it received to create or update the Land Register in the year 2024/2025 – with just 86 identified as fraudulent.
With a total of 4.4 million applications received over the same period, fraudulent applications account for just 0.0019% -significantly lower than figures reported in the media earlier this year. But while property fraud in England and Wales remains relatively rare, HMLR acknowledges that the impact on individuals can be devastating.
‘As well as continually reviewing and updating our fraud-detection methods, including ensuring all necessary documentation is provided and in order, we work in close partnership with other agencies across government and the property sector to raise awareness and help combat criminal activity’, HMLR said.
“We received an application to transfer ownership of a bungalow with a value of £360,000 – significantly below the average for the area. The owners were notified of the application by Property Alert and, on visiting the property, discovered the locks had been changed and a For Sale sign put up. They got in touch with us, and we cancelled the application to transfer ownership.
“In another example, we received an application to register a £200,000 mortgage on a terraced house. But the owner – who didn’t live at the property – said they had not made a mortgage application. We immediately cancelled the application.”
When fraud does take place, a state-backed guarantee protects homeowners whose properties are registered with HMLR. In 2024-2025, four payments were made from the scheme, totalling £398,964 – although HMLR notes that indemnity payments may not relate to applications made in the same year ‘as fraud can take time to detect, investigate and put right’.
The organisation also encourages property professionals to share the resources available to property owners to help combat fraud: as well as registering the property, clients could be advised to sign up to the free Property Alert service, apply to add a Counter Fraud restriction to titles, and keep contact addresses up to date.
‘We work closely with various government organisations to combat fraud and amplify anti-fraud messages’, HMLR concluded.
“Whilst our remit is to combat property fraud in the lodging of fraudulent applications for registration, we also want to help people avoid fraud of any kind – so do check out the Home Office’s advice and guidance at Stop! Think Fraud – stay ahead of scams.”
