Nationwide has become the first lender to allow mortgage deeds to be signed electronically without the need for a witness, using Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES).
Customers buying a property or remortgaging with the lender can use the digital process where their solicitor or conveyancer is set up to support QES.
The change follows HM Land Registry’s decision in August 2025 to accept qualified electronic signatures for mortgage deeds. It was developed in partnership with Your Conveyancer and Veyco.
Mortgage deeds have traditionally required paper documents and in-person witnessing. Under the new system, identity-verified electronic signatures can now be used instead.
According to Nationwide, a QES offers better protection for consumers. It proves who signed the deed, better protects against tampering and has the equivalent legal standing of a handwritten, witnessed signature. It also ensures that contract exchanging can happen much quicker.
Your Conveyancer became the first conveyancer to utilise the new electronic mortgage document, via their integration with technology provider, Veyco. It was used on a remortgage application and enabled the mortgage deed to be sent for registration much more quickly, avoiding the time-consuming exchange of paper documents and the need for a wet-ink signature.
Henry Jordan, Nationwide’s group director of Mortgages, said: “Nationwide is committed to speeding up the homebuying process and reducing the stress and inconvenience that can come with buying a home. Technology and collaboration are key to driving convenience and that is why we’re delighted to have worked with HM Land Registry, Your Conveyancer and Veyco to become the first mortgage lender to allow electronic signatures on mortgage deeds.”
Andy Roddy, deputy director – digital services at HM Land Registry, commented: “This [digitally using Qualified Electronic Signatures] is a significant step forward for the UK property market, setting a new standard for secure and convenient transactions. The adoption of QES marks a positive shift towards a more efficient, digital future for property professionals and consumers alike.
“This achievement reflects the strength of collaboration across the sector and responds to the changing needs of our customers. Our Strategy 2025+ lays out how we aim to support the creation of systems to support services for property ownership and to strengthen buying and selling property to make it easier for all. By embracing QES, Nationwide is not only enhancing security and speeding up the process for homebuyers but also paving the way for wider adoption across the market.
“We look forward to seeing others follow Nationwide’s lead, helping to make property transactions simpler and safer for everyone.”
Martin Bourke, managing director, Your Conveyancer, added: “Being the first conveyancer to complete a mortgage using Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) is a major milestone for us and for the wider conveyancing industry. This has only been possible through close collaboration with Nationwide, HM Land Registry and Veyco. It demonstrates what can be achieved when the industry works together to modernise the homebuying and remortgage process.”