Open letter criticises QES guidance and calls for changes to enable wider take-up
Summary
An industry coalition has written to HM Land Registry and government bodies arguing that current guidance on Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) is restricting adoption in conveyancing. The letter says the rules around same-document signing and the prohibition on mixed-format execution are slowing take-up, despite QES being available for registrable dispositions since August 2025.
Why it matters
Surveyors involved in residential transactions should be aware that digital execution practices may evolve if HMLR revises its guidance. Changes to signature requirements could affect transaction workflows, identity verification processes and the handling of deeds and registrable dispositions.
Key points
- Coalition says current QES guidance is legally questionable and too restrictive.
- It argues mixed-format signing should be allowed for registrable dispositions.
- Only five QES uses were identified in a FOI request for Q1 this year.
- The letter seeks extension of HMLR's Safe Harbour Scheme to QES.
- Industry signatories include Signicat, Thirdfort, Namirial, Yoti and Digidentity.
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