Nationwide has become the first lender to allow a mortgage deed to be signed electronically and without the need for a witness.
The innovation was made possible through the collaboration of HM Land Registry, Your Conveyancer and Qualified Electronic Signature provider, Veyco.
Nationwide will now allow QES1 – a secure type of electronic signature that has been identity-verified – to be used following HM Land Registry’s decision in August 2025 to begin accepting them as part of the mortgage application process.
No wet ink signature
The new electronic mortgage document was used on a remortgage application and enabled the mortgage deed to be sent for registration much more quickly, avoiding the time-consuming exchange of paper documents and the need for a wet-ink signature.
This is a significant step forward for the UK property market, setting a new standard for secure and convenient transactions.”
Andy Roddy, Deputy Director of Digital Services at HM Land Registry, said, “This is a significant step forward for the UK property market, setting a new standard for secure and convenient transactions. The adoption of QES marks a positive shift towards a more efficient, digital future for property professionals and consumers alike.
“We look forward to seeing others follow Nationwide’s lead, helping to make property transactions simpler and safer for everyone.”
Major milestone
Martin Bourke, Managing Director, Your Conveyancer, said: “Being the first conveyancer to complete a mortgage using Qualified Electronic Signatures is a major milestone for us and for the wider conveyancing industry.
“The innovation removes one of the last remaining paper-based steps in the transaction, helping clients and customers complete their remortgage or purchase transaction utilising a fully digital journey.”
It represents a genuine sea change for the industry, removing friction for borrowers while eradicating fraud, risk, and uncertainty for lenders.”
Edd Prosser-Jones, Veyco’s Partnerships Director, said, “The introduction of QES into lender workflows represents a genuine sea change for the industry, removing friction for borrowers while eradicating fraud, risk, and uncertainty for lenders on what is arguably their most important document, the legal charge.”
The key is adoption
Broker John Charcol’s Technical Manager, Nicholas Mendes commented, “For lenders and conveyancers, removing the need to physically handle and return deeds should cut out last minute hold-ups that often sit outside the buyer’s control.
“Crucially, this is not just about speed. The identity checks and audit trail behind Qualified Electronic Signatures strengthens protection around one of the most important documents in the process. The key now is adoption.”