What is an AP1 Form?

The process of selling or buying a property is full of forms. But one you might not be familiar with is the AP1 form. So, what is an AP1 form? Why does the AP1 form matter? And what’s it all about?

We know it sounds technical, but rest assured that once you understand the basics, it’s much more straightforward. So let’s break it down here so you’ll know how it relates to your property journey.

What is an AP1 form?

An AP1 form (also known as the HM Land Registry AP1 form) is the form that’s used to update the Land Registry’s property records.

When you sell a property, the title deeds (or more accurately, the title register held by HM Land Registry) need to be updated to show the new owner. The AP1 form is the tool that makes that happen.

It’s necessary to fill in an AP1 form if you’re selling your home, if you’re transferring ownership to someone else, if you’ve taken out a mortgage on a property, as well as in certain other property transactions.

Because the Land Registry is the bible of property ownership, if you don’t fill in an AP1, the register won’t show the correct owner. Naturally, that can lead to all kinds of problems down the line.

Your solicitor or conveyancer will usually handle the AP1 form, but it’s worth knowing what it’s all about, and why you need it.

When do I need a Land Registry AP1 form?

You’ll need an AP1 form in several different property transactions, like:

After selling a property

Mark sells his house to Sophie, so Sophie’s solicitor submits an AP1 form to register her as the new owner with the Land Registry.

When transferring ownership

This might happen during the gifting or inheritance of a property. For example, Priya gifts her flat to her daughter Emma, so Emma’s solicitor completes an AP1 form to update the Land Registry records.

After paying off a mortgage

Did you know? When you buy a property with a mortgage, your lender appears on the register as they have an interest in the property. So when James finishes paying off his mortgage, his solicitor submits an AP1 form to remove the lender’s interest from the title.

When registering a new lease or a lease extension

Aisha agrees a lease extension with her freeholder, so her solicitor uses an AP1 form to register the new lease details with the Land Registry.

When adding or removing a joint owner

Hazel and Steve own a house together, but after separating, they agree that Hazel will keep the property. Their solicitor submits an AP1 form to remove Steve from the title, so Hazel becomes the sole registered owner.

When extending a lease or creating a new lease agreement

Tariq owns a leasehold flat with 75 years left on the lease. To protect the value of the property, he arranges a lease extension with his freeholder, adding 90 more years. Once the paperwork is agreed and signed, Tariq’s solicitor submits an AP1 form to HM Land Registry to register the new lease terms.

These are all types of property transactions that require an AP1 form to be completed and submitted to the Land Registry.

Who completes an AP1 form?

Your solicitor or conveyancer will complete this on your behalf. It’s part of the batch of work they’ll need to do once the transaction is complete. 

They’ll submit it to the Land Registry once the transaction is complete, so it needs to be completed with total accuracy. It will also need to be sent with the correct supporting documents. This is an everyday task for solicitors, so they’ll know what’s needed and will be able to guide you through the process.

Technically, you can fill in and submit your AP1 form by yourself. However, there’s a reason most people pay a solicitor to do it. Mistakes can lead to rejected applications, leading to delays in updating the title. This can even cause legal issues if the register doesn’t reflect reality.

So, the land registry Ap1 form really is best left to the professionals.

What information goes on an AP1 form?

The AP1 form includes a lot of legal information, but if you’re selling or transferring a property, your solicitor or conveyancer will usually handle it. Still, it’s helpful to know what goes into it so you can understand what delays or hold-ups might mean. Here’s what the form typically asks for:

Local authority area

This is the name of the council responsible for the property, such as a county council or London borough. If more than one council applies, the form asks for the one that collects council tax or business rates.

Title number

This is the Land Registry’s unique reference for your property. If you’re unsure, your conveyancer will find it on previous title documents.

What the application affects

You must say whether the application relates to the whole property or just part of it. For example, if only part of the land is being transferred, you will need to describe which part.

What the application is for and fees paid

This section lists what you want the Land Registry to do, such as updating ownership, registering a lease, or removing a mortgage. It also shows the property’s value and confirms the correct fee has been paid. If not, the Land Registry may reject or delay the application.

Documents lodged

You will need to list everything being submitted with the form, such as transfer deeds, mortgage discharge forms or probate certificates. These usually need to be certified copies, as original documents are destroyed after scanning.

Applicant details

This names the person applying to change the register. If the applicant is a company or an overseas entity, extra details like company registration number or entity ID from Companies House may be required.

Who is sending the form

This will be the solicitor, conveyancer or individual posting the application. It includes a contact name, address, email and phone number. If sent by a professional, it may also include their Land Registry account number.

Third-party notifications

If anyone else needs to be notified about the application, their contact details are added here.

Address for service

This is the address the Land Registry will use to contact each person registered on the title. You can give up to three addresses, including post, email or DX (a legal document exchange system).

New mortgage lender details (if any)

If a new lender is being registered on the property title, their name and address will go here, along with their company registration details if they are a UK or overseas business.

Overriding interests

If any hidden rights or interests exist in the property (like someone living there under an informal agreement), you must declare them. Your conveyancer will advise what counts.

Identity confirmation

If the person applying is not using a solicitor or conveyancer, they will need to provide extra ID checks using specific forms. If a conveyancer is involved, they handle this section.

Signature and date

Either the conveyancer signs on the client’s behalf, or the applicant signs directly if handling the form themselves.

So there is quite a bit of information required on a HM Land Registry Form AP1, and that’s why it pays to have a professional fill it in for you. 

What happens if the AP1 form isn’t done?

If the AP1 form isn’t submitted, the Land Registry won’t update the official ownership records. That means, legally, the register still shows the previous owner.

This can cause major problems. If you’re a buyer, your name won’t be on the title. If you’re a seller, the transfer won’t be complete. Either way, things can grind to a halt.

Mortgage funds might be delayed. You may struggle to remortgage later. And when it comes time to sell, missing records can stop the sale from going through.

It can also lead to legal disputes if there’s a disagreement over who owns the property. Without the right paperwork in place, proving ownership becomes much harder.

In short, it’s the final step that makes everything official. Skip it, and the whole deal could fall apart.

How long does an AP1 take?

It depends on how complex the transaction is.

For a straightforward sale, the Land Registry might process the AP1 in a few weeks. That’s assuming everything is in order and there are no issues.

More complicated cases, like lease extensions or unregistered land, can take much longer. These often need extra checks, which slow things down.

Delays are also common if the form is filled in incorrectly or if any supporting documents are missing. That’s why it’s best to have a solicitor or conveyancer handle it and make sure nothing is left out.

Getting it right the first time makes all the difference.

Don’t let admin slow you down

The AP1 form might seem like a small detail, but it plays a big role in making your property sale official. Without it, the Land Registry won’t update the ownership records. And that can slow everything down.

If you’re selling through the usual route, your conveyancer will handle the AP1. But sales can still drag on for weeks or even months, especially when paperwork goes missing or the chain falls apart.

At Sell House Fast, we offer a quicker way. We buy any house or property directly, so you don’t need to wait for agents, listings or viewings. 

There’s no chain to hold things up, and no hidden fees to worry about. We work with your solicitor to keep the process smooth and can often complete the sale in a matter of days.Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation cash offer. No chains, no waiting, no stress. Just your sale, your way.