Guidance for Members of the Public Without Legal Representation
Summary
HM Land Registry published guidance for members of the public in England and Wales on working with the registry without legal representation. The guidance advises that land registration is complex with potentially significant consequences for errors and recommends considering legal representation before making applications. The document provides links to various informational resources including property information retrieval, making register changes, fraud protection, and dealing with property upon death.
What changed
HM Land Registry issued guidance directing members of the public in England and Wales to information about working with the registry without legal representation. The guidance emphasises that land registration is complex and designed to protect legal and financial interests, with potentially significant consequences for any errors. The document recommends that individuals consider the benefits of using a conveyancer before making applications.
Affected parties, particularly property owners and buyers in England and Wales, should note this guidance does not create new legal obligations but provides informational resources on property registration processes, fraud protection, and handling property changes including death scenarios. The guidance includes links to videos, quick reference materials, and accessibility information for those choosing to proceed without legal representation.
What to do next
- Consider seeking legal representation before making applications
- Review available guidance on making applications without legal representation
- Access linked resources for property information, register changes, and fraud protection
Archived snapshot
Apr 16, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Guidance
Guidance for members of the public
Information on working with HM Land Registry without legal representation.
From: HM Land Registry Published 14 March 2025 Last updated 14 April 2026
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Applies to England and Wales
Print this page Land registration is complex, designed to protect legal and financial interests in property. There can be significant consequences for any error. Please consider seeking legal representation. Before making an application without legal representation, it is important to consider the benefits of using a conveyancer.
Guidance
| Get information from HM Land Registry | Find out more about properties in England and Wales. |
| Making changes to the register | How to apply to change or update the register, from changing existing details to registering land for the first time. |
| Updating your contact address | Keep your contact details up to date with HM Land Registry. |
| Protect your property from fraud | Take steps to guard against property fraud. |
| Owning land and property with someone else | Including legal ownership and beneficial interest and what to do if your situation changes. |
| Updating the register when a property owner dies | When someone who owns a house or land passes away, you may need to update their property records. |
| Tackling avoidable requisitions | How to avoid the most common errors and omissions in applications to HM Land Registry. |
Videos
Our Public Guidance YouTube playlist has many videos on common questions and how to complete HMLR forms.
Quick links to common questions
- Dealing with land or property when someone dies
- Working out who owns your property’s boundaries
- Update your name after marriage or civil partnership
- Proving your identity for HM Land Registry
- Making an application without legal representation
Accessible formats
To request any information in an alternative format, please contact us or see our accessible document policy for more information.
Updates to this page
Published 14 March 2025 Last updated 14 April 2026 show all updates
1.
14 April 2026
Updated to include a new guidance link to Owning land and property with someone else.
2.
6 February 2026
Updated to include links to the HMLR accessible documents policy.
3.
14 March 2025
First published.
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