2 publishers · first seen Tue, 27 Oct 2026 06:00 UTC · updated Thu, 29 Oct 2026 02:00 UTC
HM Land Registry has launched two consultations on making land ownership data in England and Wales more accessible and overhauling registration fees, with both running until 22 December 2026. Under the proposals, the public, businesses, and community groups could access free, searchable datasets showing ownership of the vast majority of land, though information on most individual homeowners would remain restricted. Public sector organisations would gain free access to all Land Registry titles, while researchers with a public-interest purpose could also qualify for free access. The second consultation proposes simplifying Scale Two registration fees, which apply to property transfers without payment, below-market-value transactions, and mortgage registrations, aiming to reduce administrative delays.
Baroness Taylor, Minister for Housing and Local Government, said the changes could improve transparency and support better land-use decisions. Iain Banfield, chief executive of HM Land Registry, stated the proposals could improve customer services. Campaigners including Guy Shrubsole and the Campaign to Protect Rural England welcomed the move, while the Country Land and Business Association raised concerns about privacy and security risks from increased data access.
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