From 27 July 2020, H M Land Registry will accept documents that transfer property, create leases and secure mortgages signed using an electronic signature.
When signing a deed, whether electronically or not, a witness still needs to be physically present. However, the witness can now also sign electronically.
This new guidance allows those without access to a printer or scanner to sign a legal document more easily and will make it easier to social distance during the signing process.
H M Land Registry will continue to accept deeds signed using the ‘Mercury Signing Approach’ that was introduced on 4 May 2020. This approach allows the signatory to sign in wet ink in the presence of a witness following which the signature page together with the final agreed document is sent to their solicitor as confirmation that the document has been validly executed.
If you have any questions about how to approach electronic signatures, please contact Alex Porter by email on aporter@jpclaw.co.uk by telephone 0207 644 7273 or connect with him on LinkedIn, or Steven Porter, Partner by email on sporter@jpclaw.co.uk or by telephone 0207 644 6091 or connect with him on LinkedIn.
