Frequently Asked Questions

Form LL Restriction — Everything Answered

Everything you need to know about Form LL restrictions and Certificates of Compliance — in plain English.

What is a Form LL restriction?

A Form LL restriction is an entry on your property title register at Land Registry that prevents any sale, remortgage or transfer from being registered without a Certificate of Compliance. The certificate must be signed by an independent, SRA-regulated solicitor confirming the identity of the registered owner.

Why do I have a Form LL restriction?

You almost certainly had it registered when you bought the property — either by requesting it yourself or because your solicitor added it automatically as fraud protection. It is particularly common on buy to let properties and properties owned by people who live abroad or do not occupy the address.

How much does a Form LL certificate cost?

FormLL charges specialist confirmed within 24 hours for standard service (3–5 working days) or urgent same-day service available for Fast Track (guaranteed next working day). Additional owners cost £50 inc VAT per person beyond the first. These are all-in fixed fees — nothing more to pay.

How long does it take?

Standard service: specialist confirmed within 24 hours, certificate typically within 3–5 working days. Fast Track: specialist on call, video call and certificate same day or next working day guaranteed.

Who can issue a Form LL certificate?

Only an independent, SRA-regulated solicitor. They must not be acting on the transaction itself. Your remortgage solicitor, your sale solicitor, and the lender's panel solicitor are all conflicted. The certificate must come from a completely separate firm.

Does the restriction go away after I use the certificate?

No. The Certificate of Compliance satisfies the restriction for one specific transaction only. The restriction remains on your title and must be satisfied again for every future sale, remortgage or transfer. It can be permanently removed via a separate Land Registry application.

Do both owners need to be on the call if the property is in joint names?

Yes. All legal owners named on the title register must attend the same video call simultaneously. Both must be verified before the certificate can be issued. An additional fee of £50 inc VAT applies per additional owner.

Can one owner join from abroad?

Yes. The video call can be joined from anywhere in the world. Both owners just need to be on the same call at the same time.

My lender is Barclays / Nationwide / Halifax — does it make a difference?

The Land Registry requirement is the same regardless of lender. However, some lenders' panel firms — Optima Legal (used by Barclays) and Integra (used by Halifax/Lloyds) — may require additional specific wording. When booking, always note your lender and their panel firm so the correct wording is used.

What is a disponor letter?

A disponor letter is an informal industry name for the Certificate of Compliance. The terms are used interchangeably. Other names include Form LL certificate, anti-fraud restriction certificate, and deed of compliance. They all refer to the same document.