Property purchases may complete in a matter of weeks or months, but registering the new ownership with HM Land Registry can take considerably longer.

HM Land Registry’s latest published estimates indicate that some applications could take between 9 and 12 months, with more complex registrations taking significantly longer where further information is required.

For estate agents, buyers and other property professionals, understanding the difference between completing a purchase and registering ownership is important, particularly where a property may be sold or remortgaged again.

How long is HM Land Registry currently taking?

According to HM Land Registry’s guidance, updated on 9th October 2026, estimated completion times include:

Where HM Land Registry requires further information, applications can take longer. Some new-development applications may take up to 27 months.

These are estimates based on recent processing data, and individual applications may be completed sooner or later.

Can buyers move into a property before registration is complete?

Yes, in most cases.

Completion of a property purchase and registration with HM Land Registry are two separate stages.

Once the purchase has completed, the buyer will normally receive the keys and be entitled to occupy the property, even if their registration application remains outstanding.

Where the application has been properly submitted, the buyer’s legal position is ordinarily protected while HM Land Registry processes it.

A lengthy registration period does not, in itself, mean that something has gone wrong with the purchase.

When could an outstanding registration become a problem?

Although delayed registration will not usually affect day-to-day occupation, it can create complications when the owner wishes to undertake another property transaction.

For example:

• Selling the property: An onward buyer’s solicitor may need confirmation of the seller’s ownership before the transaction can progress.
• Remortgaging: A new lender may require the outstanding registration to be completed or other appropriate evidence before proceeding.
• Lease extensions or variations: An outstanding registration may need to be addressed before certain lease-related transactions can progress.
• Further borrowing: A lender may require the relevant ownership and charge details to be reflected on the register.

These issues can be particularly relevant where a property is being sold again shortly after purchase.

Can an outstanding Land Registry application be expedited?

Where a genuine transaction is at risk, it may be possible to request that HM Land Registry expedites the outstanding application.

This could include circumstances where an onward sale or refinancing transaction may be delayed because registration remains incomplete.

An expedition request must meet HM Land Registry’s criteria and normally requires supporting evidence demonstrating the urgency.

It is not an automatic process, and requests are considered on their individual circumstances.

What should estate agents be aware of?

Estate agents can play an important role in helping buyers and sellers understand the registration process and identify potential issues early.

In particular:

• Reassure buyers: An outstanding registration does not necessarily prevent them from occupying their new home.
• Ask about recent purchases: Where a seller acquired the property relatively recently, establish whether their ownership has been registered.
• Flag onward transactions early: If a client is planning to sell or remortgage before registration is complete, encourage them to speak to their solicitor.
• Avoid assuming something has gone wrong: Longer processing times are affecting many applications, including new leases and transfers of part.

Early communication between the estate agent, client and conveyancer can help prevent registration issues emerging unexpectedly during an onward transaction.

How Vyman Solicitors can help

At Vyman Solicitors, our Residential Property team recognises that the work does not end when a client receives their keys.

Our post-completion team checks registration applications and supporting documents before submission, helping to reduce avoidable errors and requisitions that could add further delays.

We also monitor applications through to registration, respond to HM Land Registry enquiries and, where the relevant criteria are met, seek expedition when an onward sale, remortgage or other transaction is at risk.

For estate agents, having an established point of contact when a registration issue arises can help identify the next steps and keep everyone informed.

If you are dealing with a property transaction affected by an outstanding Land Registry application, or require advice on a purchase, sale or remortgage, please contact our Residential Property team.

Speak to our Residential Property team.

For further information, visit HM Land Registry’s official guidance.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. HM Land Registry processing times are indicative and subject to change. The implications of an outstanding registration will depend on the circumstances of the individual property and transaction. Specific legal advice should be sought where registration delays may affect a proposed sale, remortgage or other property matter.