HM Land Registry (HMLR) opened two consultations on 27 October 2026: one on simplifying some registration fees and another on access to land-ownership information. Both are proposals for discussion, not changes that have already taken effect. The consultations are open until 22 December 2026, with full responses expected shortly afterwards.
The fee consultation looks at Scale 2 charges. These cover certain transfers where no money changes hands, or where the price is below market value, as well as registering a mortgage. HMLR says that many registration fees are currently linked to a property's value. In some cases that value can be difficult to establish, leading to questions from the Registry and extra delay. The proposal is to explore a simpler approach to Scale 2 fees. The consultation is asking for views; the announcement does not set out a new charge or a start date for any fee change.
The separate data consultation asks how ownership information could be made easier to use. HMLR proposes wider access to datasets covering much of the land in England and Wales, including land held by commercial organisations. It is also considering free access for public-sector users. The announcement draws a distinction between land and residential titles: most individual titles relate to homes, so the Registry says safeguards would be needed where wider access could expose more privacy-sensitive residential information. Researchers acting in the public interest might be able to access all-title datasets if they demonstrate a suitable purpose and meet safe-use and publication requirements.
Today, most title records can be obtained one at a time, with a £7 charge for many title documents. HMLR says bulk ownership information for corporate bodies already covers 16% of titles. The proposals would therefore change how some information is accessed, while the consultation seeks views on balancing transparency with privacy and responsible use.
For conveyancers, lenders, property businesses, researchers and local communities, the practical point is that neither consultation has settled the future fees or created a new right to download every residential owner record. Interested organisations and individuals can respond before 22 December. Until HMLR publishes its response and any resulting implementation details, existing fees and access arrangements remain the reference point. This is a consultation about possible service and data changes, rather than a confirmed change to a property transaction process.