Adopting this process means that there no longer needs to be a third party to witness the signature of property deeds and no printer is required.

Qualified electronic signatures are the most secure form of electronic signature and use long-established, well-regulated technology, according to the government.

HM Land Registry says it is keen to support lawyers, their clients and lenders to start using the function.

Land Registry deputy director for digital services Andy Roddy says: “We are excited to enable our customers the option to use qualified electronic signatures in their land registration applications.

“This marks another major step forward in our ongoing digital transformation, as we keep pace with – and meet the needs of – our most technologically advanced customers.

“We hope all of our customers will be able to benefit from this new and valuable technology.

“To ensure customers are supported, and their QES applications handled correctly, HM Land Registry invites all customers interested in using the technology to contact [email protected].

“We will provide more information in coming months about our work with QES applications.”