mortgage charge removal

tberry6686

I have just paid off my mortgage (Santander) and wanted to check who is responsible for removing the charge on the deeds of the house.  According to Santander I have to contact the Scottish land registry equivalent and tell them to remove the charge.

This sounds a bit daft to me as if that is the case then everyone with a mortgage could just request the charge be removed whether it is paid off or not, or am I missing something here ?

davidmcn

No, you can't remove it just by "telling them" (is that really what Santander say?). Generally what happens is you (or your solicitor) drafts a Discharge deed, get it signed by the lender, and then you register it at the Land Register. There is a newer online method for the lender directly discharging it with the Land Register but I'm guessing that Santander aren't doing that. There is however no rush and you can leave it until you sell (or remortgage) if you want - I think the registration fees are due to fall anyway so it might be worthwhile waiting.

tberry6686

Yes that is what Santander said.  I have to contact the land registry and tell them to remove the charge.  Seems silly to me.