UK’s free Property Alert service shields French homes from fraudsters
UK homeowners living in France now have a free tool to help protect their properties from fraud. HM Land Registry has launched Property Alert, a monitoring service that warns users of suspicious activity. The system aims to cut down on fraud attempts, which have targeted millions of pounds’ worth of property in recent years.
The service works by sending email alerts whenever significant changes are made to a monitored property. This includes attempts to transfer ownership or register new mortgages. Users can sign up with a valid email address and either the property’s postcode or title number.
Property Alert covers up to 10 properties, making it useful for landlords or those keeping an eye on relatives’ homes. Second-home owners, in particular, face higher risks of fraud, such as identity theft to steal deeds or fake realtors illegally renting out properties. Each alert provides key details: the type of activity, the applicant’s name, and the exact date and time. If something seems suspicious, users can contact HM Land Registry directly to report it. Between April 2023 and March 2024, the registry blocked 97 fraudulent title attempts, protecting properties worth a combined £58 million.
The free service offers an extra layer of security for UK property owners abroad. By monitoring changes in real time, it helps prevent fraud before it causes financial harm. Homeowners can register now to start receiving alerts on their properties.
