Published 27 October 2026 · FormLL news
In a written answer on 21 October 2026, the government said the age of outstanding post-completion applications at HM Land Registry is now less than 9 months across all service lines, and that in the first six months of 2026/27 it completed over 338,000 more applications than in the same period the previous year. For Form LL owners, the practical message is unchanged: non-automated applications such as removing a restriction still wait for a caseworker, so use the free expedite service when a deal is at risk.
What was said
Answering a question from the House of Lords (HL4061), the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Housing said improving speed of service remains HM Land Registry's top priority. Since April 2026, HM Land Registry has:
- invested in people and technology, including more automation of simple application types;
- introduced further pre-submission validation checks to improve the quality of applications it receives;
- started developing the use of artificial intelligence for administrative tasks, so experienced staff can focus on complex applications;
- reduced the age of outstanding post-completion applications to less than 9 months across all service lines; and
- completed over 338,000 more applications in the first six months of 2026/27 than in the same period last year.
The answer also said HM Land Registry is finalising plans to tailor its services to the different needs of its customers.
What it means if you have a Form LL restriction
- Removing Form LL is a non-automated application. Plan it when there is no transaction pending, or request a free expedite if a deal is at risk. See removing Form LL around a remortgage.
- Adding Form LL electronically through a conveyancer is the kind of simple, standard application HM Land Registry is automating.
- Your legal position is protected from the day of application. HM Land Registry says legal ownership rights are secured from the moment the application is received, not when it is processed.
The expedite route
HM Land Registry offers a free expedite where delay would put a property transaction at risk, and says it processes the vast majority of expedited applications within 10 working days.
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Start my enquirySources
- UK Parliament written answer HL4061 — HM Land Registry standards (answered 21 Oct 2026)
- HM Land Registry — Estimated completion timeframes
- HM Land Registry — Processing times and free expedite service
Facts on this page were checked against the sources above on 27 October 2026. HM Land Registry fees and practice can change; your solicitor confirms the current position before anything is lodged.