Borrowers looking to buy a property or remortgage with Nationwide can now sign their mortgage deed electronically, as long as their solicitor or conveyancer is set up to use Qualified Electronic Signatures (QESs).
The mortgage deed is a legal document tying a person’s mortgage to their property and has in the past required a physical signature as well as witnesses.
The development is possible through collaboration with HM Land Registry, Your Conveyancer and Veyco.
HM Land Registry announced in August last year that it would accept QESs as part of the mortgage application process. The take-up, however, has been slow, with a report suggesting that only one QES had been recorded between August 2025 and January 2026.
A QES, the firms said, “offers better protection for consumers” as it proves who signed the deed, better protects tampering and has the same legal standing as a physical signature. Contract exchanging can also happen much faster.
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Henry Jordan, Nationwide’s group director of mortgages, said: “Nationwide is committed to speeding up the home buying process and reducing the stress and inconvenience that can come with buying a home. Technology and collaboration are key to driving convenience and that is why we’re delighted to have worked with HM Land Registry, Your Conveyancer and Veyco to become the first mortgage lender to allow electronic signatures on mortgage deeds.”
Andy Roddy, deputy director of digital services at HM Land Registry, said: “Congratulations to Nationwide on becoming the first lender to enable mortgage deeds to be signed digitally using QES. 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.
“This achievement reflects the strength of collaboration across the sector and responds to the changing needs of our customers. Our Strategy 2025+ lays out how we aim to support the creation of systems to support services for property ownership and to strengthen buying and selling property to make it easier for all. By embracing QES, Nationwide is not only enhancing security and speeding up the process for homebuyers but also paving the way for wider adoption across the market.
“We look forward to seeing others follow Nationwide’s lead, helping to make property transactions simpler and safer for everyone.”
Martin Bourke, managing director of Your Conveyancer, said: “Being the first conveyancer to complete a mortgage using QES is a major milestone for us and for the wider conveyancing industry. This has only been possible through close collaboration with Nationwide, HM Land Registry and Veyco. It demonstrates what can be achieved when the industry works together to modernise the homebuying and remortgage process.
“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.
“The introduction of QES benefits all parties involved, including a reduction in the risk of mortgage fraud, a reduction in requisitions from HM Land Registry, and a platform for clients and customers to sign the legal charge electronically, removing the need for the document to be witnessed and returned by post to the acting conveyancer.”
Edd Prosser-Jones, Veyco’s partnerships director, said: “Veyco began with a clear mission: to develop technology that eradicates fraud and risk across the conveyancing lifecycle. Today’s announcement underlines our continued commitment to delivering on that ambition.
“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.
“Making the home buying process faster, smoother, and more secure is now a tangible reality, driven by the work of HM Land Registry’s transformation team, supported by the forward-thinking leadership of Nationwide and Your Conveyancer in pushing the boundaries of innovation.”
