Reaping the benefits of digital AP1 submission ahead of November 2022 changes
TM Group’s chief executive, Joe Pepper, highlights how digital platforms can help firms prepare for the digitalisation of AP1 submissions come November 2022.
From November 2022, HM Land Registry will no longer be accepting traditional scanned or PDF copies of AP1s via the HM Land Registry portal – marking the first time in history that the agency has made a digital channel mandatory. This is a welcomed change, and forward-thinking firms are already seeing efficiency gains in making the switch to digital applications ahead of time.
Helped along by technology partners already integrated with HM Land Registry’s Business Gateway – such as TM Group and Conveyancing Data Services (CDS) – firms are stepping away from the common challenges of double entry, human error and lack of visibility across teams.
Digitisation helps overcome many of the traditional challenges faced in submitting AP1 applications
We’re delighted to be able to support property teams in making ‘the switch’, in what will be remembered as a significant moment in industry history. For example, our smart forms validate and error-check every section before you hit send – helping to reduce the number of requisitions your firm receives.
Our management dashboard for AP1 submissions is also a great tool, as it helps conveyancing managers monitor compliance and consistent processing of all registration applications across the firm. It offers full visibility of the status of all pending or draft applications, and allows users to progress their colleagues’ applications too, which is key in multi-team conveyancing operations.
We can also support managers in tracking how many requisitions are being triggered against individuals, alerting them to additional training needs within the team. And finally, automatic reminders and notifications help individuals keep on top of their applications in progress.
Digital applications also allow for easy redistribution of work in the event of sickness or holiday. As Victoria Follows, partner, Hand Morgan Owen comments: “I find it very useful to be able to see everyone’s cases, so if a colleague is off sick or on holiday, I can continue to progress their Stamp Duty Land Tax and AP1 submissions and meet our tight deadlines.”
That’s not all. By completing searches, Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) submissions, and AP1 submissions all in one place, teams can reduce the chore of double entry and work more efficiently. Working digitally also helps to minimise avoidable requisitions (and delays) due to typos, for instance, and inconsistencies in AP1 applications. This in turn helps HM Land Registry to process applications much faster – for everyone’s benefit.
Do you know your options?
TM Group and Conveyancing Data Services (CDS) solutions can help conveyancers prepare for the November 2022 changes. Complete with integrated and smart SDLT & AP1 submission forms, pre-populated case details, built-in validation and error checking, our platform reduces the chore of double entry, decreases AP1 cancellations, limits requisitions, and more. Alternatively, firms can also lodge applications via the Digital Registration Service on the HMLR portal or develop a direct integration with HM Land Registry’s Business Gateway service.
If you’d like to find out more about what you can do to prepare for November 2022, please take a look at this webinar, or get in touch with us.
