Press Office

Mortgage lenders switch to Land Registry's e-DS1 system

On 3 January 2010 Land Registry is withdrawing one of the methods used by lenders to discharge registered charges (mortgages). The ENDs method (Electronic Notification of Discharge) has been in place for about 10 years but it has been superseded by the more efficient and 100% electronic e-DS1 method which is available via the new Land Registry portal. This change is in advance of the withdrawal of Land Registry Direct in Spring 2010.  

Land Registry has informed affected lenders most of whom are signing up for the new portal.  This means they'll be able to continue to discharge mortgages electronically via e-DS1.  Most e-DS1s are  processed automatically by Land Registry systems and will provide an instantaneous completion of the discharge application.  

This method of discharge is superior to ENDs and will save time for customers as they allow discharge and registration to take place in real time and simultaneously.  Previously ENDs needed to be completed by a separate paper application (form DS2 or DS2E).

Julie Barry,  Stakeholder Relationship Manager at Land Registry says, "e-DS1 provide our customers with a more efficient and secure way of discharging mortgages electronically which should save them time and money.  In order for them to benefit, we would encourage them to sign up to Land Registry portal as soon as possible."  

ENDs that have been transmitted prior to 3 January will remain on Land Registry's database until the paper application for discharge is received.

A list of current ENDs users is available on Land Registry's website www.landregistry.gov.uk.

ENDS

With the largest transactional database of its kind detailing over 22 million titles, Land Registry underpins the economy by safeguarding ownership of many billions of pounds worth of property.

As a government department established in 1862, executive agency and trading fund responsible to the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Land Registry keeps and maintains the Land Register for England and Wales. The Land Register has been an open document since 1990.

For further information about Land Registry visit www.landregistry.gov.uk

Marion Shelley 020 7166 4543
marion.shelley@landregistry.gsi.gov.uk

Esther McWatters 020 7166 4487
Esther.mcwatters@landregistry.gsi.gov.uk

Press Office 020 7166 4215