Fraudsters tried to steal 55 UK homes last year by faking ownership

Fraudsters tried to hijack 55 homes last year by faking ownership, says HM Land Registry. Between 2020 and 2025, HM Land Registry stopped fraud against more than 300 properties worth over £194 million.

Criminals steal your identity and forge a few documents. They then sell your home, mortgage it, or transfer ownership. AI is making it worse. Forged documents now slip past checks built for an older era of fraud.

Some homes are far bigger targets. Mortgage-free properties, buy-to-let, and homes left empty top the list. Owners often don't spot the fraud until the damage is done.

First defence, sign up to HM Land Registry's Property Alert. It emails you the moment anyone touches your title register. You can watch up to 10 properties at no cost. However, it just sends an email; it's only a warning.

To actively block fraud, add a restriction to your title.

• If you rent out the property or don't live there, file Form RQ. It stops HM Land Registry registering any sale or mortgage unless a conveyancer confirms you're the genuine owner. It's free.
• Live in your home? Use Form RX1 instead. It costs £40 and does the same job.

Finally, check your title register. Make sure HM Land Registry has your current name, address, and email. You can list up to three contact addresses.

Landlords: never use the rental property's address as your contact. Use your home or office instead.

Source:

• https://cyborg.finance/
• https://propertyindustryeye.com/fraudsters-target-dozens-of-homes-in-title-hijack-attempts/
• https://www.mortgagesolutions.co.uk/mortgage-news/2026/07/01/fraudsters-hijack-properties-by-impersonating-homeowners/
• https://www.gov.uk/protect-land-property-from-fraud
• https://www.themortgageworks.co.uk/news-and-insights/preventing-fraud

As seen on Facebook, Twitter/X, Reddit, LinkedIn