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Top Property Tip: Protect Your Home By Using HM Land Registry’s Free Property Alert Service!
We all know about protecting physical property - burglar alarms, cameras, etc. - but what about the electronic title to your property? Who is protecting that? Many homeowners are unaware of HM Land Registry’s free Property Alert Service for registered properties.
What is this?
This is a free service offered by HM Land Registry to property owners whose properties are registered. It helps protect homeowners against the very real risk of property fraud. Once signed up, you’ll receive email alerts when certain activity occurs on your registered property, for example, if someone tries to change the ownership details.
Why should you care?
You might think property fraud is unlikely to ever affect you - and hopefully you're right - but fraudsters are always on the lookout for easy targets. The risk is very real.
One widely reported example is from 2021: the case of clergyman Mike Hall, who had been working away from home. He returned to find that someone had impersonated him, stolen his identity, and sold his house without his knowledge. As of 2025, Mr Hall is still in the midst of a long and difficult legal battle to regain his home.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can be a target, but fraudsters particularly focus on:
- Vacant properties
- Mortgage-free properties
- Properties where the owners live elsewhere in the UK or abroad
- Unregistered properties (i.e. not registered with HM Land Registry - these are particularly vulnerable, as there is no electronic record)
- Rented properties
These are just a few examples.
How does it work?
You can sign up online and monitor up to 10 properties. You’ll receive email alerts when activity is detected on the registered title, allowing you to act quickly if anything looks suspicious.
Why do we recommend it?
Between April 2023 and March 2024, HM Land Registry prevented 97 fraudulent attempts on registered titles, involving properties valued at £58 million. Your house is more than bricks and mortar - it’s your home, your security, and the place where you’ve made memories. That’s why protecting it is essential.
We strongly recommend signing up for the Property Alert Service - even if you are not currently buying or selling.
Need help registering an unregistered property?
Our friendly property team, Sarah McCleary & Stella Clarke can assist you in getting your property registered and help you make use of the HM Land Registry Property Alert Service.
Stafford 01785 252377
Newcastle 01782 987551
Alsager 01270 446260
