HM Land Registry (HMLR) has recently updated several of its practice guides, refining the way land registration processes are handled. These changes are important for anyone dealing with property transactions, from junior conveyancers to experienced land lawyers, and it’s worth taking the time to understand the key points.
Practice Guide 83: Alteration
On 10 March 2025, HMLR issued an updated version of Practice Guide 83, which covers alterations to the land register under Schedule 4 of the Land Registration Act 2002. This is an area that often causes confusion, particularly the distinction between alterations generally and rectification where a mistake has caused prejudice to a registered proprietor.
One of the main clarifications is around qualified indefeasibility—that is, while registration gives legal title, it doesn’t guarantee that the title is immune from alteration. If a mistake is identified, it can be corrected, which might mean changes to the register, either to bring it up to date or to give effect to an estate, right, or interest that wasn’t properly recorded at the time of registration.
The guide now sets out more detail on how to apply for an alteration, what evidence is needed, and the factors HMLR will consider when deciding whether to make changes. The sections on rectification—where a mistake has had a prejudicial effect on a registered proprietor—have been tightened up, with clearer explanations of when rectification will and won’t be allowed.
There’s also an increased focus on costs and indemnity, particularly when an alteration results in financial loss, and more emphasis on what happens in cases involving fraud. The full update is available here: Practice Guide 83.
Other Key Updates from HMLR
Alongside the changes to Practice Guide 83, several other practice guides have been updated in recent months:
- Practice Guide 82: Electronic Signatures – This now provides additional guidance on amending deeds executed with conveyancer-certified electronic signatures.
- Practice Guide 67: Evidence of Identity – The main change here is that identity facility letters issued by HMLR are now valid for 12 months rather than six.
- Practice Guide 8: Execution of Deeds – This includes updates on how local authorities provide details of their delegated execution authorities and minor amendments to the requirements for electronic signatures.
- Practice Guide 76: Charging Orders – This now aligns procedures for handling Form K restrictions with the process for updating other restrictions when a charging order is assigned.
What This Means in Practice
These changes are all part of HMLR’s ongoing attempt to make land registration processes smoother and clearer. For conveyancers, the key takeaway is that the rules around alterations, rectifications, and supporting documentation continue to evolve, and it’s important to be aware of what’s required to avoid delays or unnecessary requisitions.
As always, accuracy is crucial—ensuring applications are correctly prepared the first time will save time and reduce the risk of rejection. It’s also clear that electronic processes are becoming more embedded in land registration, so firms need to be confident in using electronic signatures and digital submission methods.
For those who deal with registration regularly, whether at a junior or senior level, it’s worth keeping up to date with HMLR’s changes. We provide training for both junior staff who need to get to grips with the fundamentals and more experienced land lawyers who want to stay ahead of evolving practices. Our training covers the practicalities of registration, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to deal effectively with requisitions.
HMLR’s updates are part of the ongoing shift towards modernising the system and making processes clearer. For conveyancers, that means fewer grey areas but also more responsibility to get things right the first time. The emphasis on electronic processes, precision in applications, and understanding when alterations can and can’t be made all point to the same thing: staying ahead of these changes isn’t just useful—it’s essential. If you or your team need a sharper understanding of land registration, whether that’s for junior staff getting to grips with the basics or experienced land lawyers dealing with complex applications, we can help.