Deeds

I have now received the deeds information for my mother in law's property.<br> <br> It looks like my father in law registered the property (the documentation is in with the deeds) in his name in 1969, but i cant do a search on Land Registry as nothing comes up.<br> <br> Do I still need to do a new application for the Land Registry so it can be in my mother in law's name.<br> <br> If I do I know i have to include the old deeds to get them changed do I still get the originals back together with the new deeds and Lsnd Registry document. Do i have to send the originals or can i send a photocopy.

Sarah - if the property is to be transferred to your MIL then an application for compulsory first registration will be required&#160;<br> <a href="https://customerhelp.landregistry.gov.uk/guide-page-external/?stepid=4ca13e07-9982-eb11-a812-000d3ad48f95&amp;kbonly=true&amp;setanswer=">HMLR Guide Page &#160;· HM Land Registry</a><br> The online assisted guidance explains what's needed and how you need to submit original deeds/documents and how these are returned as appropriate<br> <br> Land registration is complex, designed to protect legal and financial interests in property. There can be significant consequences for any error. Please consider seeking&#160;legal representation. Before making an application without legal representation, it is important to&#160;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/making-an-application-without-legal-representation">consider the benefits of using a conveyancer.</a>

I have received an automated email from Land Registry to say they have received the form but it won't be completed until September 2026.<br> <br> Please can I ask why it takes this long and what would happen if my mother in law were to pass away before the deeds and the house got registered into her name - would the family still be able to sell the house.

Sarah - the date provided is an estimated completion date based on current average timescales for similar types of application. The time is wait time only.<br> The application/transaction is protected from the date we received it and the ownership protected.<br> If she were to pass away and the property were to be sold then that can all happen still