Homebuyers are experiencing significant delays in having their property purchases officially registered, with some waiting up to six months to complete the process. This prolonged period, attributed by solicitors to a backlog following the COVID-19 pandemic, is causing concern for those who have already paid substantial sums, including stamp duty, and begun mortgage payments.
One individual who completed on a house purchase on March 31, 2026, was informed by their solicitor that registration would not occur until mid-September. The solicitor cited the Land Registry as "still catching up from the backlog following covid."
While such delays can be alarming given the significant financial commitment involved in buying a home, HM Land Registry asserts there is no need for concern. A spokesperson stated that ownership rights are secured upon application submission, not upon registration. For situations where delays could cause genuine problems, the agency offers a free expedited service.
HM Land Registry is actively working to reduce these waiting times. According to the agency, 95 percent of post-completion applications are now processed within nine months, a significant improvement from a peak of 20 months in 2023. In the 2025-26 fiscal year, over 213,000 more post-completion applications were processed compared to the previous year.
Solicitors acknowledge the marked increase in delays since the COVID-19 pandemic, with waits of six to 12 months or more for ownership transfers not being uncommon. However, for straightforward home purchases, they maintain there is typically no substantial cause for concern.
To protect against potential issues, solicitors conduct an "Official Search," also known as a priority search, before completion. This search effectively secures the buyer's application from that point forward, preventing subsequent applications from overtaking it while the registration is pending. Buyers can also apply for an expedited service if the delay hinders an onward sale, remortgage, or causes other personal or financial hardship. If approved, such applications are typically processed within 10 working days, provided evidence of hardship or transactional delay is supplied.
To help minimize further delays, it is crucial that all forms are completed accurately, necessary documentation is included, deeds and plans align, and any queries from the Land Registry are addressed promptly.