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‘Our House’ ITV Drama Was Based On Fact

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Author: Phil Scott - Director
Last updated: 12 Oct 2024
House theft | Image of a row of multicoloured houses

The drama captured viewers’ imagination, unaware that it is based on fact. In 2015, a journalist discovered that a property they owned in London, but did not live in, had been sold without their knowledge.

Although the Land Registry refused to register the sale, by the time the crime was discovered, the buyer had received the keys. The BBC has also highlighted recent cases of similar criminality conducted online.

These fraudsters typically target second homes and investment properties, which are rarely visited by their real owners, selling to cash buyers to avoid mortgage checks.

Consequently, if letting a second property, it is a good idea to use a specialist letting agent, who will not only validate tenants’ details, but conduct regular checks to ensure the property is safe and well maintained.

During the pandemic, online fraud increased. If you have any concerns about your own, or a relative’s property, you can sign up without charge at propertyalert.landregistry.gov.uk and receive notifications if there is any unauthorised activity in relation to that property. It’s very easy, taking just a few minutes.

When you purchase a property ensure that you sign up to protect your long term interests.

To prevent these crimes, The Law Society and Land Registry are calling for conveyancers to use more secure means of identifying buyers and sellers. Your solicitor can provide advice should you receive a Land Registry alert on your account.

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Author's Avatar

Phil Scott

Director

About the author

Phil has worked in the financial services industry since 1992, having started with a large insurance company. He went self employed in 1996 as an Independent Financial Adviser before setting up his first company, Needham Market Home Financial in 1999.

After four years, he decided to concentrate solely on mortgages and related insurances, and The Mortgage Centres was born. Since then, Phil has been influential in the opening of several new offices as the business continues to grow.

Qualifications

Financial Planning Certificate: 1,2 & 3

Year Attained: 1992

Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CEMAP)

Year Attained: 2001

FCA Profile

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