The government opened a consultation on 27 October 2026 on proposals to increase the public value of HM Land Registry data and improve access to land ownership information, with safeguards.
Key facts
- Who: People and organisations with an interest in HM Land Registry (HMLR) data and land ownership information
- From: 27 October 2026
- Source: Future of access to HM Land Registry information
The government has opened a consultation seeking views on a package of proposals to increase the public value of HMLR data and improve access to land ownership information, while ensuring appropriate safeguards are in place.
The package covers five areas:
- new ownership datasets;
- changes to access and charging arrangements;
- public interest access;
- accelerating land registration; and
- potential powers to restrict access to information where there is evidence of a significant risk of harm.
The last of these is the safeguarding element. The consultation describes these as potential powers, to be used where there is evidence of a significant risk of harm.
On how to respond, the government strongly encourages use of the online survey. It says this greatly assists analysis of the responses, enabling more efficient and effective consideration of the issues raised. Anyone who cannot use the online survey can respond by email or in writing.
What this means for property owners and buyers
The consultation touches on ownership datasets, access and charging arrangements, and public interest access to HMLR information. Anyone with a view on these topics can respond through the online survey, or by email or in writing if the survey is not possible.
Sources
- Future of access to HM Land Registry information (consultation), GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/future-of-access-to-hm-land-registry-information