HM Land Registry moves to cut conveyancing delays with new data on avoidable errors

HM Land Registry has begun publishing detailed data on avoidable requisitions in a move it says will help conveyancers reduce errors, cut delays and improve the experience for homebuyers, lenders and intermediaries.

The information, now available on GOV.UK, builds on existing “request for information” (requisition) statistics first published in 2019 and is designed to give firms clearer insight into where their title applications are going wrong – and how to fix it through free training and support.

Avoidable requisitions are those that arise from mistakes or omissions that firms can reasonably prevent, while unavoidable requisitions tend to be driven by legal requirements or the inherent complexity of certain registrations.

Progress – but a long tail of poor performers

HM Land Registry said there has been “encouraging” progress since it stepped up its focus on application quality earlier this year.

Since May 2025:

• 29% of professional customers have reduced their avoidable requisition rates

• 57% now record avoidable requisition rates below 5%

• 1 in 5 firms (20%) are achieving avoidable requisition rates under 1%, up from 17% a year ago

However, some firms still have significantly higher error rates, which HM Land Registry warns continue to drive delays, extra costs and a poorer experience for clients.

For brokers and lenders, those gaps in performance between firms translate directly into slower or faster completions, greater risk of missed deadlines and more pressure on client relationships when transactions stall.

Focus on automation and free training

To tackle the problem upfront, HM Land Registry is rolling out more automated digital checks to catch simple errors at source before applications are submitted. It is also offering free resources for conveyancers, including:

• “Top 10 Tips” for error‑free applications

• Free workshops and on‑demand training via its online training hub

Internally, the organisation has also stepped up its own quality drive, with more than 4,000 staff trained by its Land Registration Academy since 2021 to improve the accuracy and consistency of requisitions and casework.

‘Clearer insight’ into how firms can improve

Iain Banfield, interim chief executive and Chief Land Registrar, said firms had been asking for better information on how to improve their performance.

“Firms have told us they want clearer insight into where they can improve, and this dataset provides that. The progress we’ve seen over the past six months shows what is possible when we work together. There is still more to do, but these results demonstrate real momentum and a shared commitment to reducing delays for our customers and their clients. We thank all our customers for their efforts and look forward to continuing this progress together.”

Sheila Kumar, chief executive of the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC), said the focus on requisition rates and application quality was already feeding through to better outcomes.

“It is clear that the focus on requisition rates and improving title application quality is already having a positive impact for home buyers and the property industry.

“The CLC will continue to work with HM Land Registry to ensure conveyancers have the information and training they need to continue this progress.

“Timely and high quality title applications are the vital final step in conveyancing, protecting clients and lenders, and we urge all CLC lawyers to make use of the HM Land Registry practice guides and training hub.”

What it means for brokers

For mortgage intermediaries, the new data offers another way to assess the conveyancers they work with. Lower avoidable requisition rates should, in principle, mean fewer post‑completion delays, less risk of mortgage offers expiring and a smoother journey for borrowers.

Brokers may now look to ask partner firms:

• What their current avoidable requisition rate is

• Whether they are engaging with HM Land Registry’s training and guidance

• What steps they are taking to reduce avoidable errors that can slow down registration

With regulators and consumer groups calling for more transparency in the homebuying process, HM Land Registry’s move adds further pressure – and opportunity – for firms across the transaction chain to tighten up processes and reduce friction for clients.