To help counter identity fraud by sellers, would it not be a good idea for the Land Registry to register passport-sized photos of the buyers with their signatures?

This information could be made available to conveyancers or solicitors on confirmation they were acting for the registered proprietor or a buyer from the registered proprietor. At least there would be good evidence available that the person selling was the same person who purchased the property. Even if ID documents were forged, you could compare their photo and signature on the Registry ID.

At the moment, if there is no legal charge or other signed document at the Land Registry, there is nothing to compare even the signatures with, making it easier for fraudulent transactions to be carried out on properties with no mortgage.

Douglas Narayan, Ferns Solicitors, London SW4

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