HM Land Registry says its new digital registration service launches on Wednesday (30 November). 

The new-look service will improve digital applications and is designed to make the portal easier to use, the government department points out. 

The body says the digital registration service will have newly added features such as additional save points when building applications, greater control over editing applications before submission, and a fee calculator for leases and transfers of part, that calculates fees due automatically. 

HM Land Registry adds other highlights include:  

• Simpler navigation 
• The ability to personalise the shortcuts on the homepage 
• Digital application submission by default 
• Easier information access 
• Streamlined administration for colleagues across organisations 
• As well as the same services that currently exist on the portal  

The department adds, all applications, other than first registrations, will be digital by default for business customers and electronic uploads will be switched off. 

It says: “Agents should take the necessary steps to understand the changes and benefits to customers and familiarise themselves with the service change and where to find the appropriate support and guidance.” 

In September, the body said it would play a leading role in the property industry’s digital land registry adoption, which would also cut its own backlog by speeding up its services. 

The body launched a new strategy, called Strategy 2022+, and a three-year business plan to 2025, which laid out the “next stage of its digital transformation” and “sets out a clear roadmap for delivering service improvements”. 

The government department said by March 2025, around 98% of its services will be automated – compared with around 90% today – cutting processing times to 15 days on average across registry updates and new applications.