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

As a result, anyone purchasing a property or looking to remortgage with Nationwide can now sign their mortgage deed digitally, if their solicitor or conveyancer is set up to use qualified electronic signatures (QES).

The move has been made possible through collaboration with HM Land Registry, Your Conveyancer and Veyco, forming part of the building society’s effort to digitalise and speed up the homebuying process.

The decision to allow QES comes after HM Land Registry decided to begin accepting them as part of the mortgage application process in August.

Nationwide stated that a QES offers better protection for consumers, and proves who signed the deed, better protects against tampering and has the equivalent legal standing of a handwritten, witnessed signature.

Your Conveyancer has also become the first conveyancer to utilise the new electronic mortgage document via its integration with Veyco.

Group director of mortgages at Nationwide, Henry Jordan, 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."

Deputy director – digital services at HM Land Registry, Andy Roddy, added: "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."

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