Features of the new land registration solution
Land & Property Services (LPS) is still developing the functionality of Land Registration’s new browser-based IT system, in discussion with key stakeholders and user groups.
We can however list key features that we expect to be available, highlighting how the new solution will differ from the current system and services that we offer today.
A fully digital, end-to-end service
The new system to manage our land and property registers will support our users to complete most services fully online. This will include:
- Digital submission of documents – users will also be able to scan and submit supporting documents rather than sending them by post
- Digital payments – the new system will support digital payments including card payments and variable direct debits
- Fully online searching – users will be able to use one single system to search all four registers
- Digital mapping – a modern, map‑driven service that supports all tasks across all four registers
- E-Discharge – charge owners will be able to digitally release charges registered in Land Registry
- Mandatory fields that are validated automatically – when users create applications the supporting text they enter will be checked upfront. This will reduce errors and ensure that all required information is included so that applications can be processed more quickly and accurately
More flexibility for users
Customers will benefit from access to more information and the ability to complete more steps in our processes independently, without needing to contact LPS for help. For example:
- Live application progress updates – users will be able to track applications at every stage
- Enhanced reporting – organisations will be able to report on activity at the organisational level for the first time
- Online collaboration – multiple users will be able to work on complex transactions at the same time
- Adding and removing users without contacting LPS – firms will be able to onboard or maintain staff accounts, and manage access levels
- Personalised dashboard and history – each user will be able to view all their in-progress applications in one place, and refer to historical cases at any time
More support for our users
The new solution for registering land in Northern Ireland will represent significant changes to how we operate, so LPS wants to make sure that our new functionality is as intuitive and user-friendly as possible. Our users will be supported throughout this via:
- Detailed training programmes – training will be provided to users before and during our launch phases
- System guidance throughout – users will be guided by pop-up help text and step-by-step manuals, relevant to the type of application being completed
- Built-in support messaging function – users can more easily contact LPS directly with queries, and will receive updates through the online system
These features have been designed with our users in mind, and this list is subject to change as we develop and test our new system. As LPS is creating a long-term IT solution which will evolve over time, based on ongoing feedback, we will confirm the exact detail of each feature once the relevant functionality to support each register is ready to launch.
Find out more about how Land Registration will engage with you as we develop the system, and how you can get involved, on the Improving Land Registers NI page in the 'Engaging with you' section.