Real Estate Adopts QES, IDV for Digital Shift

Published Date : 8/8/2025 

The UK real estate industry is undergoing a digital revolution with the introduction of Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) and advanced identity verification (IDV) tools. This shift aims to streamline processes, enhance security, and reduce compliance costs. 

The real estate industry is witnessing a significant transformation driven by rapid digitalization, rising compliance costs, and the adoption of identity verification for fraud prevention. Recent developments include the UK’s land registry embracing Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES), data from Credas showing agents are passing on the cost of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) to customers, and a new deal for tenant screening platform RentButter.

His Majesty’s Land Registry (HMLR) will now permit the use of Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) when submitting applications to register land and property ownership. This move eliminates the need for a third party to witness the execution of a deed, simplifying the process significantly. According to Andy Roddy, HMLR deputy director for Digital Services, “This marks another major step forward in our ongoing digital transformation, as we keep pace with and meet the needs of our most technologically advanced customers.”

In its three-year strategy published in 2022, the department announced plans to allow a property to be bought and sold in a fully digital manner. The agency started accepting electronic signatures in 2020, and HMLR services are already embedded in the GOV.UK site, requiring biometric verification. The department covers England and Wales.

A new survey by Credas, a UK-based ID check service, reveals that nearly 85 percent of real estate agents are already charging for AML checks or plan to do so within the next year. The survey, which covered 250 estate agents and property professionals, shows that a small, independent agency spends approximately £16,000 a year (US$21,484) on compliance-related activities. Additionally, 72 percent of respondents plan to increase the amount they charge for AML checks in the next 12 months.

Credas suggests that real estate professionals should consider new ID check tools to reduce expenses and alleviate administrative burdens. In June, the firm launched a digital wallet called Credas Payments to carry out compliance checks with reusable credentials, starting in the real estate sector. The company also reported that its identity verifications are up 35 percent year-over-year, reaching 2.5 million individuals.

U.S. property management software platform TurboTenant has announced plans to integrate resident screening and identity verification provider RentButter. Chicago-headquartered RentButter allows real estate operators to screen residents by validating government-issued IDs and verifying their identity with selfie biometrics. It also cross-checks renters through various databases to gain insights into applicants’ financial behavior and prevent fraud. RentButter specializes in screening tenants with credit scores below 700, who are often thin-file customers and the most difficult to assess.

The partnership will enable faster credit and background checks for landlords, according to the two firms. TurboTenant processes over 20,000 background checks a month, highlighting the growing importance of efficient and secure tenant screening in the real estate sector. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)?

A: A Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) is a type of electronic signature that meets specific legal and technical requirements, providing the highest level of security and legal validity. It is recognized as equivalent to a handwritten signature in many jurisdictions.

Q: Why are real estate agents charging for AML checks?

A: Real estate agents are charging for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks to cover the rising costs of compliance-related activities. These checks are essential for preventing fraudulent transactions and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Q: What is the purpose of the Credas Payments digital wallet?

A: The Credas Payments digital wallet is designed to facilitate compliance checks with reusable credentials, reducing the administrative burden and costs for real estate professionals. It allows for efficient and secure identity verification processes.

Q: How does RentButter help in tenant screening?

A: RentButter helps in tenant screening by validating government-issued IDs, verifying identity with selfie biometrics, and cross-checking applicants through various databases. This process provides landlords with comprehensive insights into tenants' financial behavior and helps prevent fraud.

Q: What is the significance of the HMLR's digital transformation strategy?

A: The HMLR's digital transformation strategy is significant as it aims to modernize the property registration process, making it more efficient and secure. By allowing fully digital transactions, it aligns with the needs of technologically advanced customers and enhances the overall user experience. 

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