First registration: original deeds and documents no longer required

Original deeds and documents no longer have to be submitted when an application for first registration of unregistered freehold and leasehold estates in land is made by conveyancers.

Certified copies of deeds and documents can be submitted instead of the originals.

On 28 November 2016, the Land Registry updated Practice guide 1: first registrations which can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/first-registrations/practice-guide-1-first-registrations.

The guidance says that conveyancers have the option of lodging first registration applications made up entirely of copy deeds and documents each of which is certified by them as being a true copy of the original. This relaxation does not however apply to applications for first registration made by non-conveyancers who must continue to submit original deeds and documents with their first registration applications.

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