HMLR data shows SDLT ‘remains a persistent registration risk for conveyancers’
Summary
HM Land Registry data shows SDLT-related requisitions remain a recurring source of registration delay, with 39,967 unique requisition numbers recorded in the year ending 2025. The article highlights that many issues arise from missing or inconsistent SDLT evidence and supporting documentation rather than the tax calculation itself.
Why it matters
For residential property surveyors involved in transaction support, due diligence or property transfer processes, the article underscores how documentation quality can affect registration outcomes. It is also relevant where surveyors liaise with conveyancers and need to understand how file accuracy and evidence alignment can reduce delays.
Key points
- SDLT-related URNs accounted for 2.46% of all HMLR URNs in year ending 2025, the highest share in the four-year dataset.
- The largest issue category was missing Land Transaction Return certificate or Submission Receipt.
- Other problems included incorrect transferor details, missing certificate schedules and mismatched SDLT evidence.
- The article stresses that SDLT risk extends beyond tax calculation to evidence gathering and document consistency.
- Recurring SDLT issues can create registration delays, client service problems and file risk.
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