"The Property Alert Service is a simple but effective way of reducing risk, and this steady growth over more than a decade shows that awareness is improving"
- Olly Thornton-Berry - Thirdfort
Sign-ups for HM Land Registry’s free Property Alert Service have steadily increased since its launch more than a decade ago, but coverage remains low, with only around 3% of homes registered.
According to figures obtained by Thirdfort, a client due diligence platform that combines KYC, AML, and Source-of-Funds verification, more than 857,000 proprietors have signed up for the service. Annual registrations have grown significantly since the scheme began in 2013, with 60,465 new alerts recorded in the first half of 2025 alone, bringing the total registered since launch to 857,432.
Encouraging but slowing growth
“It’s hugely encouraging that more people are taking proactive steps to protect themselves from property title fraud,” said Olly Thornton-Berry, co-founder and managing director of Thirdfort. “The Property Alert Service is a simple but effective way of reducing risk, and this steady growth over more than a decade shows that awareness is improving.”
Despite the long-term increase, growth has slowed in recent years. Annual sign-ups peaked at 178,086 in 2022, while 2023 and 2024 each saw just over 100,000, with 2025 on track for a similar total.
Most homes remain unprotected
Even with ongoing growth, the service covers only a small fraction of properties in England and Wales. With roughly 28.6 million households, current registrations account for approximately 3% of homes. This means millions of properties, particularly empty, tenanted, or mortgage-free homes, remain at risk of fraud.
The Property Alert Service allows proprietors to register up to 10 properties and receive email notifications whenever HM Land Registry receives an application to alter the register. This helps owners spot suspicious activity quickly and take action.
“Fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated, and all property owners should be vigilant,” added Thornton-Berry. “Services like HM Land Registry’s alerts are a vital line of defence. At Thirdfort, we’re proud to work with over 1,500 conveyancers, estate agents, and law firms to help safeguard society against fraud.”
