According to analysis by Open Property Group, property title fraud in the UK has risen by 78% over the last 12 months—representing the largest increase in such crimes in 20 years. Criminals are now focusing their efforts on landlords, unoccupied homes, and unmonitored title deeds, leaving thousands vulnerable to losing their properties without any prior warning.
Experts warn that the victims are most often absent owners, such as landlords or people living abroad, who may not regularly monitor their property title.
What does the key data show?
- 78% increase in property title fraud cases: HM Land Registry data shows a staggering 78% year-on-year rise in fraudulent title activity, driven by identity theft, forged documents, and digital loopholes.
- £27 million in property value was illegally transferred in 2024: Criminals targeted properties with high equity or no mortgage. Many fraudulent sales were completed before owners discovered the crime.
- 86% of fraud victims were absent owners: Landlords, overseas investors, and elderly homeowners in care are prime targets due to infrequent checks on legal title or correspondence.
- Over 3,200 properties flagged by the Land Registry’s Property Alert Service: The number of properties flagged for suspicious activity rose 46% year-on-year in 2024.
- Fraud cases take 9–18 months to resolve, with legal costs often exceeding £30,000: Some owners never reclaim their properties and many cannot afford the legal battle
- Only 1 in 5 fraud victims recover full ownership without litigation: Just 20% of victims have their title restored without involving solicitors or legal proceedings.
Jason Harris-Cohen, Managing Director of Open Property Group said: “This sharp rise in title fraud is a wake-up call for every property owner in the UK. Criminals are targeting properties that appear vulnerable, especially vacant buy-to-lets, inherited homes, and unregistered titles. What’s most alarming is that many people don’t even know they’ve been defrauded until months later. At Open Property Group, we’ve seen increasing numbers of sellers coming to us after discovering serious issues with their title or ownership.
Every homeowner should be using the Land Registry’s Property Alert service, securing their deeds digitally, and staying vigilant especially landlords with empty or tenanted properties. Prevention is cheaper than litigation, and the risk is no longer hypothetical.”
With property fraud rising at an alarming rate, homeowners across the UK, particularly landlords and absentee owners, are being urged to take immediate steps to safeguard their properties before it’s too late.
