HM Land Registry estimated completion timeframes
Completion timeframes for HM Land Registry applications.
Applies to England and Wales
This page provides information on forward looking estimated time ranges for most applications once they have been submitted. If you require information on how quickly current applications are being processed, including information requests, the volume of applications and proportional completion times please visit our Processing Times Page.
Estimated completion timeframes
HM Land Registry provides estimated completion timeframes to help you understand how long your registration application is likely to take.
These timeframes show the month we expect to start processing your application and the month we expect to complete it.
Our estimates are based on recent completion data for applications of the same type as yours, specifically looking at the range of times taken to complete 70% to 90% of similar applications.
We review and update this information monthly, so you always have the most up-to-date and realistic expectations. This approach helps us give you clearer, more consistent information about your application’s progress. While the timeframes below reflect the experiences of most customers, your application may progress at a different pace. In some instances, applications will be completed more quickly.
Timeframes for all customers
Last updated: 17 December 2025
Update the register with a simple change (e.g. name change)
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We expect to have started work on it no later than* 5 months We expect to have completed it by** 6 months Unless further information is requested 10 months
Update the register with a more detailed change (e.g. right of way or ownership transfer)
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We expect to have started work on it no later than* 11 months We expect to have completed it by** 13 to 14 months Unless further information is requested 18 months
Register land for the first time
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We expect to have started work on it no later than* 10 months We expect to have completed it by** 11 to 14 months Unless further information is requested 17 to 20 months
Register new developments (including leases and partial transfers of land)
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We expect to have started work on it no later than* 11 months We expect to have completed it by** 12 to 14 months Unless further information is requested 24 months
*95% of applications waiting to be processed
** based on when *70-90% (variable and reviewed monthly) applications are completed and where further information is not needed.
Note: these processing times exclude automated updates to existing registers, most of which are completed immediately. Examples of these include electronic discharge of mortgages and applications to register electronic restrictions
If there is no urgency and the estimated completion date has passed, please rest assured your legal rights regarding the property are protected the moment we receive the application, not from the day it is registered.
Request an expedite
If you need us to process an application sooner, please request that we expedite (fast track) it.
You can apply to expedite if the timeframe would:
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cause legal, financial or personal problems not related to a land transaction
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put a property transaction at risk, such as a refinancing deal or development
Updates to this page
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Updates to the way processing times are communicated.
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Figures updated to reflect October 2025 figures.
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First published.