How to protect your land and property from fraud

We are often asked how to protect property from being fraudulently sold or mortgaged. This can be of particular concern if:

• your identity has been stolen
• you rent your property
• you live abroad
• the property is empty
• the property is not mortgaged
• the property is not registered with HM Land Registry (your property will be registered if you bought or mortgaged it since 1998.

Check your property is registered with HM Land Registry

Click here to check your property on The HM Land Register. If any information is incorrect, you must tell HM Land Registry. You can track changes to the register and put a restriction on your title if you think you might be at risk.

Track changes to the register

You can also sign up for property alerts if someone applies to change the register of your property. This can happen if someone tries to use your property for a mortgage. Whilst this won’t automatically block any changes to the register, it will alert you so that you can take the necessary action. You can receive alerts for up to ten properties without charge.

Put a restriction on your title

You can stop HM Land Registry registering a sale or mortgage on your property unless a conveyancer or solicitor certifies that the application was made by you.

If you live at the property

Fill in an application for a restriction (currently costs £40) and send the completed forms to:

HM Land Registry
Citizen Centre
PO Box 74
Gloucester
GL14 9BB

HM Land Registry will notify you when they add the restriction.

If you don’t live at the property

Fill in a request for a restriction for owners not living at the property if you own the property privately – this is free of charge.

Business owners

Business owners should complete a request for a restriction for any company-owned property. Send the application to the address on the form.

If you’re a victim of property fraud

Report property fraud to Action Fraud.

Contact the HM Land Registry property fraud line:

reportafraud@landregistry.gov.uk
0300 006 7030
Monday - Friday, 08:30-1700
Find out about call charges here

For further help and advice contact one of our property solicitors in Halifax, Huddersfield or Brighouse.