Wait times from receipt to actual processing can be very long indeed depending on the type of application and what needs to then happen from a registration perspective.
Later this year (2024) we are hoping to start trialling auto-acknowledge receipt of citizen applications, so those submitted by '
Joe Public' rather than by a conveyancer or other professional , where an email address has been provided. The acknowledgement will include an estimated timescale and more as appropriate - later this year is the hoped for timescale for the change.
In the interim here are a few of the main examples of types of application we receive from Citizens and a brief explanation of what may be involved as well as timescales
- Adverse Possession of unregistered land - a claim as to ownership and can often be linked to a house sale/purchase where it's discovered not all of the property is registered. Average wait time before processing starts 14+ months. Three key stages
- Consideration of claim
- Site visit/Survey and
- Wider checks with neighbouring/affected landowners.
Very rough timescale for all three stages 10-12 weeks but everything must got to plan. If the claim is with regards
registered land then it can take considerably longer as the wider checks complete.
- Transfer of ownership - not a straight sale/purchase but for example a gift from one owner to joint owners or vice versa. Rough timescale is 3-4 months but IF you lodge it yourself then wider checks are needed and these can add a further 3-4 weeks whilst they complete
- New Build - a new plot purchase or new lease including a lease extension. Usually submitted by a conveyancer and rough timescale is currently often over a year
- Form RX3/RX4 - applications that include these forms can wait several months as the cancellation/withdrawal of a restriction requires specific and technical consideration. They are not routine and may often require wider checks. Rough timescale could be as long as 7-8 months
- Forms SEV (severance), DS1/DS2 (mortgage redemption), AN1/UN1 (Notices) - can be routine but wait times can be lengthy. Rough timescale 3-4 months wait time
Some very routine and basic applications can and are processed quickly. However many can be subject to a lengthy wait before they are processed. When processing starts everything then depends on the application being in order. If it's not a further delay will arise. whilst any issues are resolved
If an urgency arises such as an onward sale or an expiring mortgage offer then please
request expedition. Expedition will reduce the initial wait time
BUT the registration requirements still have to be met - for example surveys, wider checks and more still have to take place so the "
10 days" referred to in the expedite procedure is simply the initial wait time reduction. Expedition
DOES NOT mean that your application will be completed within 10 days.
For the vast majority of applications, be they lodged by you or a professional, the key is securing 'priority', namely receipt by HMLR. Your application is then protected and for example your new ownership or more is protected. The wait time that then follows is very unlikely to be an issue for most and it's all a Q of waiting for us to contact you to confirm processing/completed registration if you applied. If you used a conveyancer then we will notify them.
