As showcased in our blog post last month, we’re making several improvements to our land register application form. These changes are based on customer feedback and engagement, and are specifically designed to reduce rejections and increase efficiency in this important process.

Here we’ll delve deeper into these amendments, examine exactly what’s changing, and what benefits these updates will bring. We’ll also share details of the transition period we have in place for the switch from the old form to the new.

Recap

First, a quick reminder. The changes we’re making can be grouped into 4 main categories:

1. Removal of signature requirement
2. New title information section
3. Updated Servitudes and Burdens sections
4. Streamlining the printed form

Removing the signature requirement

Current figures show that a significant number of applications are rejected because the form hasn’t been signed. With the new legislation, there is no need for the form to be signed, removing this frequently missed administrative stage of the process.

Click the image below to see a side-by-side comparison of the signature section in the old form and the new.

Updated guidance information on Declaration section

New title information section

As part of our efforts to streamline our processes, we’ve merged the Title Examination and Certification in relation to links in title sections, and named the new section Title Information. The changes in this section can be summarised in a few key points.

Firstly, the section itself only appears in applications for title transfers over unregistered land, so it won’t always be applicable. We’ve also completely removed the certification of links in title question, as there is often confusion over its relevance and whether to complete it which ultimately leads to rejections. And finally, we’ve changed the prescriptive claimant part of this question slightly, splitting it into two parts.  This is to improve clarity and make the question easier to answer accurately.

Updated guidance information on title information section

Updated Servitudes and Burdens sections

This is an area where customer feedback has been key; stakeholders told us that the current wording of these sections is confusing, and these misunderstandings can lead to rejections. To help with this, we’ve reworded the questions to make it easier for you to be confident that the information provided is the information we need.

The new approach is based on a very simple rule: RoS will include in the title all servitudes and burdens that are contained in the deed being registered, unless we’re advised otherwise by the applicant. You can do this in the new section of the forms highlighted in the visuals below.

Servitudes

Updated guidance information on Servitudes

Burdens

Updated guidance on burdens

Improving user experience

We’ve also used these changes as an opportunity to introduce overall usability improvements to the printed PDF generated via our eForms service, making it more responsive to the particular information entered. This results in a shorter and more readable form, which boosts overall efficiency.

These improvements include:

• Printing all the applicant/granter/property details in Part A of the form, even where there are a large number (instead in the additional information at the back of the form)
• Not printing sections if there is no content (e.g. Further information)
• Removing the unnecessary large blank spaces between sections
• Removing superfluous advisory text which is only required for the non-eForms (website) PDF

What’s next? Is there a transition period?

Yes there is. We’re conscious that many transactions span several weeks or months, so there will be some crossover between the old form and the introduction of the new.

As such, we will continue to accept the old form for 3 months after the implementation date. We’ve been hard at work internally for months, and have processes in place to handle the transition period and ensure all forms are processed efficiently.

What will the impact be on draft applications?

For draft eForms that have been saved but not submitted to RoS prior to the implementation date, where relevant, you will be prompted to re-answer the Servitudes and Burdens sections and the new version of the form will be generated on submission.

Can we see the updated form? 

Yes. Example draft updated versions of the form can be found below:

• FR form
• VR form
• DW form

We’re continuing to work closely with our stakeholders as we move towards introducing the new application form on 21 March 2018. If you have any questions, you can contact your RoS account manager.