Nationwide has become the first UK lender to allow mortgage deeds to be signed electronically without the need for a witness, marking a major step towards faster, fully digital homebuying.
From now on, customers buying or remortgaging with Nationwide can sign their mortgage deed using a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES), provided their solicitor or conveyancer is enabled to do so.
The move follows HM Land Registry’s decision in August 2025 to accept QES as part of the registration process.
The change has been delivered through collaboration between Nationwide, HM Land Registry, Your Conveyancer and technology provider Veyco, and removes one of the last paper-based steps in mortgage transactions.
SPEEDING UP HOMEBUYING
Henry Jordan, Group Director of Mortgages at Nationwide, says the building society is “committed to speeding up the homebuying process and reducing the stress and inconvenience that can come with buying a home,” adding that “technology and collaboration are key to driving convenience”.
A QES has the same legal standing as a handwritten, witnessed signature, while offering stronger protection against fraud and tampering. It also allows deeds to be registered far more quickly.
Your Conveyancer was the first firm to complete a remortgage using the new process. Managing director Martin Bourke says the milestone “demonstrates what can be achieved when the industry works together to modernise the homebuying and remortgage process”, adding that it enables a “fully digital journey” for clients.
BIG STEP FORWARD
HM Land Registry’s deputy director of digital services, Andy Roddy, described the move as “a significant step forward for the UK property market”, saying it sets “a new standard for secure and convenient transactions”.
Veyco partnerships director Edd Prosser-Jones called the introduction of QES into lender workflows “a genuine sea change for the industry”, removing friction for borrowers while tackling fraud risk for lenders.
WELCOME NEWS
Mary-Lou Press, president of NAEA Propertymark, says: “The conveyancing process remains one of the most common sources of frustration for buyers and sellers, with more than 30% of housing transactions taking over 17 weeks to complete on average.
“These prolonged timescales only serve to increase pressure and uncertainty during what is already one of the most stressful financial commitments people will make in their lifetime.
“It is therefore welcome news that technological improvements will allow mortgage deeds to be signed digitally, helping to remove unnecessary delays from the process.
“Embracing digital solutions will give buyers confidence.”
“Embracing digital solutions has the potential not only to speed up transactions but also to improve accuracy, reduce administrative burdens, and give buyers and sellers greater confidence as they move through the system.
“As the homebuying process continues to modernise, it is vital that these innovations are adopted consistently across the mortgage and conveyancing sectors.
“Widespread take-up could play a significant role in reducing transaction times, improving consumer experience, and helping to create a more efficient and resilient housing market overall.””
