Property Fraud Prevention: Best Practices for Homeowners

emily gordon brown
Emily Gordon BrownLegal Assessment Specialist @ Lawhive
Updated on 25th September 2024

In the UK, property fraud is a growing concern, largely due to advances in technology that make it easier for fraudsters to steal personal information and impersonate unsuspecting property owners. Therefore, it is important for homeowners to take proactive steps to safeguard their assets from the reach of mischievous entities. Imagine spending years saving up to buy your dream home, only to find out later that someone has sold it without your permission. Such a scenario would be not only emotionally devastating but could also drag you into lengthy and expensive legal battles to reclaim ownership.

In this article, we will explore various aspects of property fraud, including:

  • What property fraud means, including its various forms.

  • How property fraud happens

  • What homeowners can do to prevent it from happening.

  • Your best course of action if you have fallen victim to property theft

What Is Property Fraud?

Property fraud occurs when criminals manipulate ownership records to sell or mortgage a property without the rightful owner’s consent. The impact of this type of fraud goes beyond what the owner suffers; it also tends to have a ripple effect on the real estate market as well. Here are some of the effects:

  • Financial loss: When property fraud happens, the owner of the property and the unsuspecting entity that bought the property are often the most affected. On the part of the property owner, if they somehow fail to register their property with the HM Land Registry and, unfortunately, the fraud is successful, they may lose their ownership rights, leaving them with no legal claim to the property.

  • Buyers of stolen property can face severe financial losses, such as losing their down payment or deposit if the property is reclaimed by the rightful owner. Additionally, they may end up with an unmortgage-able property, meaning they won’t be able to secure a mortgage or resell it legally. 

  • Mental and emotional distress: Property fraud can also cause significant emotional and psychological strain on the owner as they deal with the stress and uncertainty of potentially losing their investment.

  • Market instability: Property fraud, if it becomes prevalent, can also undermine trust in the real estate market. This will then cause buyers and investors to hesitate to make transactions. This uncertainty can lead to reduced demand, affecting property values and overall market stability.

  • Delayed property sales: Property fraud can negatively impact transaction speed since parties will spend a lot of time verifying the estate title and other important things to ensure legitimacy.

Common Types Of Property Fraud

Property fraud can take many forms, and understanding the most common types can help protect yourself from becoming a victim. 

Mortgage fraud

Mortgage fraud is one of the most common estate frauds in the UK. In this scheme, fraudsters use someone else's name to obtain a mortgage or to inflate property values, securing higher loans. A fraudulent mortgage can result in the property owner liable for a debt they never incurred. Mortgage fraud can either be fraud for profit or occupancy.

Title fraud

Also known as deep fraud, title fraud occurs when fraudsters forge documents to transfer ownership of a property without the real owner’s knowledge. Once the fraud is completed, the criminal may choose to secure a mortgage using the property or sell it completely.

Rental fraud

Scammers may also pose as landlords or property managers and collect rent or deposits from unsuspecting tenants for properties they don’t own or have no right to lease. The tenants often only realise the scam when they attempt to move in and find the property already occupied or unavailable.

Bait and switch is another common form of rental fraud. This fraud involves advertising a property at a low price to attract potential tenants and then suddenly changing the terms or conditions once interest is shown.

Warning Signs of Property Fraud

Below are some warning signs you need to watch out for so you don't lose your property to scammers. Here are some warning signs to watch out for:

  • Unexpected Title Transfers or Mortgage Applications: If you notice any changes to your property's title or see mortgage applications you didn’t initiate, this is a major red flag.

  • Unauthorised Loans: If someone takes out a loan against your property without your knowledge, it could indicate fraudulent activity.

  • Offers That Are "Too Good to Be True": Be cautious of offers with unusually low prices or exceptionally favourable terms, as fraudsters often use these tactics to lure victims.

  • Suspicious Requests for Personal Information: Be wary of anyone asking for your personal or financial information, especially if it seems unrelated to any official transactions.

  • Unexplained Redirection of Mail: If your mail is suddenly redirected without your knowledge, fraudsters might divert important legal or financial documents related to your property.

Detecting these warning signs early can help prevent or reduce the impact of property fraud.

How to Protect Against Property Fraud

Here is a guide on how to protect property from fraud:

Register the property with the HM Land Registry

Registration with the HM Land Registry provides legal recognition of ownership and strengthens protections against fraud. Unregistered properties are at higher risk because they lack formal documentation linking the property to its owner.

Sign up for property alerts.

When you register with HM Land Registry, you will receive a free Property Alert for up to 10 properties. This alert will notify you whenever significant changes are made to the register.

Place a restriction on the title.

A restriction can be added to a property’s title, requiring additional verification (such as a solicitor’s confirmation) before any sales or mortgage applications can be processed. This measure provides an extra layer of security, particularly for absentee landlords or investors.

Keep personal information secure.

Since identity theft plays a major role in property fraud, it is now increasingly important that homeowners keep all their personal information such as passwords, bank details, or identification number safe at all times. For example, don’t open suspicious emails so you become a victim of phishing scams. 

To safeguard your property from fraud, consider the following legal actions:

  • Deed of title registration: When you register your deed of title with the HM Land Registry, your ownership is legally documented and protected. This makes it much harder for fraudsters to forge your details and sell or take out a loan against your property without your consent.

  • Title amendment and restrictions: You can also amend your title to include restrictions, such as barring transactions without written consent. This type of restriction will ensure that your property doesn't get sold without your consent.

  • Solicitor involvement: If you are buying or selling a property, try to get a solicitor involved. Apart from their professional advance, a solicitor will also verify the legitimacy of buyers and sellers and their documents.

Challenges and Risks for Homeowners

According to recent findings, over £7 billion is lost annually in the UK due to property fraud. The main cause of this has been attributed to property owners' failure to register their properties with the HM Land Registry. If you fail to register your property, it won’t be protected by existing UK law.

Properties owned by absentee landlords, investors, or those living abroad are at higher risk of unauthorised transactions. These owners should take extra precautions, including regular monitoring of their property's ownership status.

Best Practices for Homeowners

Property fraud can be a serious threat, but taking proactive steps can help safeguard your property from unauthorised transactions. Here’s a checklist of important actions you can take:

  • Consult a Qualified Solicitor: Always work with a solicitor for property transactions such as sales, purchases, or remortgages. Their professional training helps identify potential fraud, adding an extra layer of protection.

  • Keep Personal Information Secure: Protect your personal data during property transactions by ensuring only trusted individuals have access. This helps prevent unauthorised use of your information.

  • Regularly Review Your Title Information: Check your property's title details with the HM Land Registry regularly to spot any unauthorised changes. This simple step can help you detect and address potential fraud before it becomes serious.

The UK's HM Land Registry secures property ownership through its title registration and monitoring systems. However, to ensure your property is fully protected, you must completely comply with all property laws.

Additionally, UK law offers a range of protections for property owners, including;

  • Compensation schemes for victims of property fraud (provided they register the property)

  • Right to pursue legal action against fraudulent parties to reclaim ownership or recover losses. 

  • Legal protection against property fraud because the registration with the HM Land Registry serves as proof of ownership.

For comprehensive protection, you should consult with a property law expert who can advise on the necessary legal steps to safeguard your property titles and prevent fraud.

FAQs

What are the common types of property fraud?

Property fraud can come in many forms, but the most common ones are mortgage fraud, title fraud, and rental fraud.

How can I check if my property is registered?

You can check your property’s registration status on the HM Land Registry portal.

How does the HM Land Registry property fraud alerts service work?

This service sends notifications to property owners if there are any changes made to the property’s title or ownership details. You can receive alerts for up to six of your properties.

Can I add restrictions to my property title to prevent fraud?

Absolutely! Adding restrictions to your property title acts like a safeguard, similar to how a password protects your phone. This restriction ensures that no significant changes, such as selling or mortgaging your property, can occur without your explicit consent.

What should I do if I suspect property fraud?

Contact HM Land Registry immediately and consult a solicitor specialising in property law.

Conclusion

Property fraud is a serious problem, but there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself. Make sure your property is registered with the HM Land Registry, add restrictions to prevent unauthorised changes, and keep an eye on your property’s title information regularly. If you’re buying, selling, or remortgaging, always work with a qualified solicitor who can help spot any potential fraud. Being cautious and taking these measures can save you from a lot of stress, money, and trouble in the long run.

Don’t leave your property at risk. At Lawhive, our property solicitors can guide you through securing your property title, adding restrictions, and ensuring all your transactions are legally safe. Book a free legal assessment today.

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