The Land Registry has warned conveyancers that repeated failures to properly check property deeds or instances of losing them could result in referrals for disciplinary investigation.
Serene Rollins, Assistant Registrar at Land Registry, confirmed that conveyancers could be referred to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) or the Council for Licensed Conveyancers if standards are not maintained.
Fraud concerns
According to the Law Society Gazette, Land Registry has been forced to examine certain cases more closely due to suspicions of fraud or dishonesty. Rollins clarified that referrals to regulators are intended to address concerns that could compromise data integrity or public confidence in the profession, rather than penalising honest mistakes.
“It is not about honest mistakes or avoidable requisitions,” Rollins said.
New HMRC registration requirement
The warning comes as conveyancers face additional regulatory pressure following a new requirement this month for them to register with HMRC as tax advisers. Any solicitor who completes Stamp Duty tax returns on behalf of clients must now register, with failure to do so potentially resulting in fines up to £10,000.
The increased scrutiny on conveyancers follows ongoing concerns about property tax compliance across the sector.
Fee implications
Earlier this year, The Conveyancing Association (CA) indicated that its members would need to charge higher fees if expected to take on additional responsibilities. The trade body was responding to Government consultations on the home buying and selling process, stating it supported “clearer and earlier provision of property information” but that this would require additional compensation.
The warnings from Land Registry highlight the regulatory challenges facing conveyancers as the sector adapts to stricter oversight and expanded responsibilities in property transactions.
