Property fraud is on the increase and can be difficult to spot. Your property is more at risk if:

You’ve been a victim of identity theft.

You rent out your property. 

You are not resident in the UK.

Your property is not occupied or is empty for long periods.

You don’t have a mortgage on the property.

Your property isn’t registered with Land Registry.

If your marriage or relationship has broken down.

If your property is registered with Land Registry, you can take some simple steps to protect it from being fraudulently sold or mortgaged:

1. Update Your Details: Ensure your contact details with Land Registry are current. You can register up to three addresses (postal, email, and an address abroad). Accurate details allow Land Registry to contact you regarding any queries or activity. Also, notify them if your name changes due to marriage or divorce.

2. Register for the Property Alert Service: This free service from Land Registry alerts you to certain activities on your monitored properties, such as someone attempting to mortgage your property. You can receive alerts for up to 10 properties, making it particularly beneficial for second home owners and landlords.

3. Apply for a Restriction on Your Property: You can apply to have a restriction entered on to the title register of the property which restricts the registration of a transfer or mortgage unless a solicitor or conveyancer has certified that the person who signed the transfer or mortgage deed is the registered owner of the property.

For more information contact Parry Carver Solicitors at Newport (01952 979700), Wellington (01952 641291) or Shifnal (01952 460777) or email: sarah.clinton@parrycarver.co.uk