We know that delays at HM Land Registry cause frustrations for everyone, especially those having to wait up to two years, as reported by the Observer this week.

The story has left some homeowners and buyers concerned that application processing times at HM Land Registry are putting people’s remortgaging deals at risk and negatively affecting the offers they can secure.

But HM Land Registry (HMLR) is keen to reassure readers that there are viable options available for those needing to speed up the time to process applications and reduce delays, including the fast-tracking (expediting) process.

If necessary, you can ask us to process your application urgently. The expedite (fast-track) process is available for applications, either residential or commercial, where a delay would:

• cause problems not related to a land transaction; or
• put a property sale or any kind of property transaction at risk, for example, a refinancing deal or development

A spokesperson for the HMLR told EYE: “Applications to HM Land Registry can be fast-tracked (expedited) free of charge if registration is needed urgently for financial (including remortgaging), legal or personal reasons. More than 95% of expedited cases are processed within 10 days. For more information, please see: Request an expedite – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)”

Homeowners left out of pocket after long delays at UK Land Registry