Nationwide to allow mortgage deeds to be signed digitally

Nationwide has become the first UK lender to allow a mortgage deed to be signed electronically and without the need for a witness. 

Anyone purchasing a property or looking to remortgage with Nationwide will now be able to sign their mortgage deed electronically, if their solicitor or conveyancer is set up to use Qualified Electronic Signature (QES).

The move has been made possible through collaboration with the Land Registry, Your Conveyancer and Veyco.

Nationwide will now allow QES1 - a secure type of electronic signature that has been identity-verified - to be used following the Land Registry’s decision in August 2025 to begin accepting them as part of the mortgage application process.

A QES proves who signed the deed, better protects against tampering and has the equivalent legal standing of a handwritten, witnessed signature. It also ensures that contract exchanging can happen much quicker.

Your Conveyancer became the first conveyancer to utilise the new electronic mortgage document, via their integration with technology provider, Veyco. It was used on a remortgage application and enabled the mortgage deed to be sent for registration more quickly, avoiding the time-consuming exchange of paper documents and the need for a wet-ink signature.

Henry Jordan, Nationwide’s group director of mortgages, said: “Nationwide is committed to speeding up the homebuying 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, commented: “Congratulations to Nationwide on becoming the first lender to enable mortgage deeds to be signed digitally using Qualified Electronic Signatures. 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. 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 Qualified Electronic Signatures is a major milestone for us and for the wider conveyancing industry. 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, added: “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 Qualified Electronic Signatures 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 homebuying 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.”