Property hijacking: The latest scam that could see your Yorkshire home sold by crooks

For most Yorkshire homeowners, protecting their property means locking the doors, keeping up with insurance and perhaps investing in an alarm. But an increasingly sophisticated threat can target the ownership of a home without anyone setting foot inside it.

Whilst the numbers of cases of “property hijacking” remain small compared with the huge number of legitimate property transactions taking place across England and Wales, the potential consequences for an individual homeowner can be significant.

Mark Laird, Partner and Head of Property at Morrish Solicitors, says homeowners across Yorkshire should understand the risks and the straightforward measures available to help protect themselves.

Figures obtained from HM Land Registry show that 55 cases of property hijacking were recorded between April 2025 and March 2026, involving criminals impersonating homeowners in attempts to sell properties, obtain mortgages or transfer ownership using forged documents.

Laird says: “Property fraud is thankfully still relatively rare, but that should not lead homeowners to assume it couldn’t happen to them. Your home is likely to be your most valuable asset, so taking a few simple precautions to protect your ownership makes good sense.”

Which properties are most at risk?

Some properties can be more attractive to fraudsters than others.

HM Land Registry identifies owners as being at greater risk where a property is rented out, empty, mortgage-free or unregistered, where the owner lives overseas or where the owner's identity has been stolen.

That could have particular relevance across Yorkshire, where the property market encompasses everything from city-centre rental properties to homes inherited from family members, second homes and properties left empty for extended periods.

Recent reports have also raised concerns about technology making fraudulent documentation increasingly convincing. Reporting around the latest HM Land Registry figures highlighted concerns that AI-generated documents could make some fraudulent identification documents harder to detect.

“Fraudsters don't necessarily need to physically access your property to target it,” explains Laird. “Identity theft and forged documentation can be used to make someone appear to be the legitimate owner. That makes vigilance particularly important if you don't live at the property yourself or there is no mortgage registered against it.”

A real case shows what can happen

One of the best-known examples is the case of Reverend Mike Hall, whose mortgage-free home in Luton was sold without his knowledge in 2021 after criminals used stolen identity information and forged documents to impersonate him. The property was sold for £131,000 and, by the time he discovered what had happened, it had been emptied and building work had begun. HM Land Registry eventually restored his title, but reports say it took years before he regained possession.

Sign up for HM Land Registry Property Alert

One of the simplest precautions is HM Land Registry's free Property Alert service.

Property Alert allows people to monitor registered properties and receive emails when certain activity takes place, including applications to change the register. Up to 10 properties can be monitored and you do not have to own the property yourself. This means, for example, that someone can help keep an eye on an elderly relative's property with their knowledge.

It is important to recognise that receiving an alert does not mean fraud has occurred and the service will not itself stop an application. It does, however, give homeowners an opportunity to investigate unexpected activity.

Don't forget your contact details

Homeowners should also ensure HM Land Registry has reliable contact information for them.

Up to three contact addresses can be provided, including an email address and an overseas address, and updating the details is free. This becomes particularly important where someone moves out of a property but retains ownership, perhaps because they decide to rent it rather than sell.

Owners of older properties should also check whether their home is registered. The firm's existing guidance notes that properties owned since before compulsory registration may remain unregistered, and that voluntary registration is possible. Property Alert is only available for registered properties.

Fraud doesn't only target the house

There is another serious risk during a property transaction: criminals attempting to divert the money being transferred between buyers, sellers and solicitors.

Fraudsters can impersonate a solicitor or interfere with email correspondence to provide false bank details. An email that looks genuine, carries familiar branding or appears as part of an existing email chain should not alone be treated as proof that payment details are authentic.

This is particularly important where large deposits or completion monies are being transferred.

“Buying a home involves transferring sums of money that for many people will be the largest financial transaction of their lives,” says Laird. “If you receive unexpected bank details, or you're told that details have suddenly changed, stop and check. Speak to your solicitor using a telephone number you already know and trust rather than relying on contact information contained in the message asking for the payment.”

A few checks can make a big difference

For homeowners across Yorkshire, property fraud may not be an everyday concern, but the value tied up in our homes makes it a risk worth taking seriously.

Keeping Land Registry contact information current, registering for Property Alert and treating unexpected requests involving property or money with caution are relatively straightforward steps that can provide an additional layer of protection.

Morrish Solicitors’ residential property team advises homeowners on all aspects of the conveyancing process, including practical advice and proactive support to help protect against property fraud throughout the buying and selling process. Their services can be provided in-person, over the phone, by email or post. Contact [email protected] or call 033 344 9607. Alternatively, you can make an appointment at one of their offices in Leeds, Bradford, Pudsey or Yeadon.