With the right preparation, many of the challenges can be managed effectively.

Since the pandemic, processing times have increased, with new-build registrations now often taking up to 12 months, and more complex cases like lease extensions or freehold transfers potentially taking longer. However, understanding these timelines upfront gives borrowers the opportunity to take proactive steps, helping them stay on track with their investment plans.

Despite these timeline issues, the Land Registry has defended its performance in its latest Annual Report, highlighting improvements in digital systems, speed, and service quality. But the fact remains that delays are still very real, and both brokers and borrowers must be aware of potential delays.

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Fighting the delays

With that in mind, here are some practical steps that can help minimise delays:

● Request expedited processing early: Ask your solicitor to submit a fast-track request as soon as possible when registration is delaying your transaction. Approved expedited applications are usually processed within 10 working days. Don’t wait until the last minute.
● Avoid errors on applications: Over 55% of delays stem from incomplete or incorrect forms. Double-checking documents can prevent weeks or months of hold-ups.
● Ensure ongoing case monitoring: Solicitors should track the application closely, respond promptly to any queries, and keep clients updated.
● Follow up and escalate if needed: If your case has been pending for months, your solicitor can contact the Land Registry directly and escalate the matter if there’s urgency.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, we have navigated numerous situations where our borrowers have faced delays. We fully understand the impact this has had on all parties involved.

A helping hand

This is one of the key reasons we’ve established a new Loan Support & Relations team. Their role is to proactively monitor registrations that remain incomplete and alert borrowers as early as possible, ensuring they are well-informed when planning their exit strategies.

The last thing we want is for clients to be caught off guard and for their investment plans to be disrupted as a result. That’s why it’s so important for borrowers to be aware of potential delays and understand what steps they can take to help keep things moving as smoothly as possible.