Registers reports huge use of new digital processes
Tens of thousands of property transactions have been completed using Registers of Scotland's new digital submission service, introduced in response to the COVID-19 lockdown.
The service was brought in as an emergency measure after the traditional process of submitting paper deeds and applications for registration had to be suspended with the closure of offices as the pandemic struck.
Now in a new blog the Keeper of the Registers, Jennifer Henderson, reveals that since the week beginning 23 March, 82,977 deeds and 59,691 advance notices (preventing another deed being registered ahead of a transaction in progress) have been submitted for registration through the new service.
"The volume of applications that have been successfully accepted via our digital services, along with the hugely positive reaction we have received from customers, reinforces for me how working collaboratively can help us achieve great things", she writes.
With non-essential offices remaining closed under the Scottish Government's route map to ease lockdown restrictions, the Keeper confirmed that the application record for paper applications will not formally reopen until at least six weeks after offices reopen. This has been agreed with the Law Society of Scotland to enable solicitors to plan accordingly.
She explains: "This date is important as the record reopening is the trigger point defined in the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 for advance notices in the system (that have not yet been replaced by an application) to start to expire after 10 days."
Ms Henderson recommends that solicitors should if possible submit applications still outstanding via the digital system.