On 31 March, LRD, the means by which solicitors access the Land Registry’s e-business services, will be shut down and replaced by a new electronic platform.

The Land Registry has advised firms to sign up to the new system by 15 February to avoid the risk of losing access to services.

A Registry spokeswoman said: ‘The registration process is simple, but it’s not instant. Not having access to our electronic services means solicitors run the risk of not being able to service clients as effectively, plus the added inconvenience and potentially increased costs of postal transactions.’

She said the switchover was necessary due to technological advances and would provide an enhanced service to customers, enabling them to register charges, discharges and registration transactions electronically in real time.

To register, firms should email migrationsupportteam@landregistry.gsi.gov.uk or call 0800 234 6736.