Protection from property fraud?

Jean Paterson, Director and Solicitor in Astle Paterson’s Commercial department discusses the new Property Alert service introduced by the Land Registry.

Jean said “The Land Registry have introduced a new Property Alert service to tackle ever increasing property fraud.

Anyone who registers a property with the free Property Alert service, will be notified of applications to change the register – for example when a new mortgage is registered against the property or there is a change of ownership.

Anyone who signs up to the service will also be notified when an ‘official search’ is made against their property. Official searches can be done up to 30 days before an application to change the register is made and so the notification of the official search will be a useful early warning sign that the property may be being targeted.”

Jean continued “Anyone concerned that a property could be at risk from fraud can sign up to the service at www.gov.uk/property-alert by entering the house number and postcode (or the title number) of the property they wish to monitor. The service is not limited to owners – anyone who has a concern can sign up to monitor a property.

Useful guidance on protecting yourself from property fraud can be found at www.gov.uk/propertyfraud.”

Please contact Jean Paterson on 01283 531366 or by email at jpaterson@astlepaterson.co.uk for further information or guidance.