THE stressful paperwork involved in conveyancing looks to be a thing of the past for Huntingdon customers of Buckles Solicitors. The firm has been given approval to use the Land Registry s new online portal and its e-conveyancing services after meeting a

THE stressful paperwork involved in conveyancing looks to be a thing of the past for Huntingdon customers of Buckles Solicitors.

The firm has been given approval to use the Land Registry's new online portal and its e-conveyancing services after meeting a stringent set of internal security requirements.

Customers will be able to sign documents electronically when the portal replaces the Land Registry's existing online services next year.

"What's really exciting about being granted full access to the portal is that we will be able to give our clients 'citizens' access' to the portal for their conveyancing transaction," said Michael Rabbett, head of Buckles' property group.

"That means they will be able to view and, in some cases, sign documents online from any computer with internet access, anywhere in the world.

"The days of having to fit an appointment with your solicitor into business hours may be coming to a close, as are the days of having to wait for documents to arrive in the post to sign."

The system uses an advanced authentication system to ensure high levels of security. Mr Rabbett explains: "The user will have to enter three characters from a unique assortment set out in the form of a grid when asked to sign documents online. Once those characters are entered, a private key is activated on the system and allows the client to enter an e-signature.

"So, in the future, you could be on the beach or climbing in the Alps and, as long as you can get to a computer, you will be able to view and progress your property transaction.

"We are always looking for innovative ways to improve the service we're able to provide to our clients, and this really will be a major leap forward in bringing the buying, selling and leasing of property into the 21st century."

Mr Rabbett added: "More e-services will come online in the future until it will be possible - and indeed the norm - for property transactions to be dealt with almost exclusively online. We want to ensure that from day one we lead the way with on-line services and bring new innovations to our clients as they become available.