How to Protect Yourself from Property Fraud

Arvinder Samra • March 5, 2025

Property fraud is a growing concern for homeowners. Fraudsters constantly find new ways to steal property ownership, commit mortgage fraud, or sell property without the rightful owner’s knowledge. If you own a residential property – whether you live in it or rent it out – it’s important to take practical steps to protect yourself.

In his latest insight, Arvinder Samra, Consultant Solicitor at Woodstock Legal Services, explains the risk of property fraud and how to safeguard your home or investment property.

What Is Property Fraud and Who Is Most at Risk?

Property fraud happens when criminals take control of a property by stealing an owner’s identity or forging legal documents. Once they gain access, they may attempt to:

Sell the property without the owner’s consent
Take out a mortgage or loan against the property
Transfer ownership to another name

Some properties are at higher risk of fraud, including:

Homes that are empty or rented out
Mortgage-free properties
Properties owned by elderly or vulnerable individuals
Unregistered properties

Taking the right precautions can help you prevent fraud before it happens.

Register for the Land Registry Property Alert Service

One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your property is by signing up for the Land Registry Property Alert Service. This free service notifies you whenever an application is made to change the title of your property, allowing you to spot fraudulent activity early.

Why This Matters

If someone attempts to change ownership or take out a mortgage on your property without your consent, you will receive an alert. This early warning system gives you the chance to stop fraud before any damage is done.

Who Should Register?

Every property owner should sign up, especially:

Landlords with rental properties
Homeowners with mortgage-free properties
Anyone who owns multiple properties or does not live at their registered address

For those with elderly or vulnerable family members, it’s also worth assisting them with registration to keep their homes protected.

How to Register

You can register up to 10 properties for free through the GOV.UK Land Registry Property Alert Service.

Keep Your Address Updated with the Land Registry

The Land Registry uses the address on file to contact property owners, mortgage lenders, and other registered parties. If your details are outdated, you could miss important fraud warnings.

Why This Matters

If you move house and forget to update your details, the Land Registry may send important notices to an old address, leaving you unaware of fraudulent activity until it’s too late.

How to Update Your Details

You can provide up to three addresses for official contact purposes, including:

A UK or overseas postal address
A DX (Document Exchange) address
An email address

This is particularly important for landlords and second-home owners who do not reside on their property. Keeping your contact details up to date ensures you receive legal notifications promptly.

Verify All Communications to Avoid Fraudulent Emails

Fraudsters frequently target property transactions, using email scams and phishing techniques to deceive homeowners and investors into transferring money to the wrong account.

Common Warning Signs

You receive an unexpected request to transfer funds.
The sender’s email looks similar to a trusted contact but has minor differences.
The bank details provided do not match those previously supplied by your solicitor.

How to Stay Safe

Always verify bank details over the phone with your solicitor before making payments.
Do not click on links or open attachments from unfamiliar emails.
Be extra cautious if you are in the process of buying or selling a property.

If you receive an email with new payment instructions, call your solicitor to confirm before making any transactions.

Place a Restriction on Your Property Title

For an extra layer of protection, you can place a restriction on your property title. This ensures that no one can sell or mortgage your property without a solicitor or conveyancer verifying your identity.

Who Should Consider This?

A restriction is beneficial for:

Property owners who do not live at the property
Owners of mortgage-free homes
Anyone looking for additional legal safeguards

How to Apply

You can submit a restriction application through HM Land Registry (Form RX1).

This step can significantly reduce the risk of fraudulent property transactions and prevent criminals from taking out a mortgage in your name.

Protect Your Home and Investments with Expert Legal Advice

Property fraud is a growing concern, but taking the right precautions can help secure your property and prevent criminals from gaining access. At Woodstock Legal Services, we provide expert guidance on residential property law, ensuring that homeowners and landlords have the protection they need.

If you’re concerned about property fraud, need help updating your Land Registry details, or want to apply for a title restriction, our team can assist you.

For tailored legal advice, contact Arvinder Samra by emailing a.samra@woodstocklegalservices.co.uk or complete the form below.

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Woodstock Legal Services recognised at the Modern Law Conveyancing Awards 2026

By Coco Beverley • October 14, 2026

We are delighted to share that Woodstock Legal Services has been shortlisted for Conveyancing Firm of the Year - South of England at the Modern Law Conveyancing Awards 2026 . We are also proud to see Bethany Hudson , one of our Consultant Licensed Conveyancers, shortlisted for Rising Star of the Year. With our head office in Poole, Dorset, we are proud of our roots in the South West and the relationships we have built within the region’s property community. These shortlists recognise both the strength of our Residential Property team and the people behind the scenes who support our clients throughout their property journey. At Woodstock Legal Services, our focus has always been on building a conveyancing service that works for both our clients and our consultants. By bringing together experienced conveyancers with dedicated back-office support and the right infrastructure, we aim to make the process of buying and selling property as straightforward as possible, while giving our lawyers the flexibility and support to deliver excellent client care. Our connection to the South West remains an important part of who we are. Through relationships with local property professionals and organisations such as Poole Property Club , we continue to build connections within the property market while supporting clients across England and Wales. Over the past year, our Residential Property team has continued to grow, supported by investment in our people, processes and technology. Our dedicated back-office teams play an equally important role, helping keep transactions moving so our conveyancers can focus on their clients and the legal work that matters most. Being shortlisted for Conveyancing Firm of the Year in the South of England is a recognition of the collective effort behind our service, from the conveyancers working directly with clients to the teams supporting them behind the scenes. Car Jermyn Managing Director of Woodstock Legal Services, added: " I’m incredibly proud to see Woodstock Legal Services shortlisted for Conveyancing Firm of the Year and Bethany Hudson recognised as a Rising Star. Both awards reflect the quality of our lawyers and the commitment of the wider team supporting them. It’s great to see the work happening across our business recognised, particularly in the South of England, where our roots are firmly established. " A growing modern law firm As we continue to grow, we are always keen to speak with experienced lawyers who want to work differently, be properly supported, and be part of a collaborative community. Behind every successful consultant is the right firm. Click here to see why consultants choose Woodstock.