How Do I Know if My House is on the Land Registry?
4 minute read
Date Published - June 21st 2024
4 minute read
Date Published - June 21st 2024
When you buy a property in the UK, it should be registered with the Land Registry. With over 26 million title deeds recorded, the Land Registry covers nearly 88% of the land in England and Wales. However, about 12% of land (and buildings) remain unregistered, which can complicate buying or selling.
There are no laws requiring unregistered land to be registered, but there are many advantages to doing so. Making sure your property is registered can be incredibly important for smooth transactions and legal security.
At GloverPriest, our expert conveyancing solicitors can guide you through the registration process, ensuring your property is securely recorded and legally protected. Contact us today for peace of mind.
The Land Registry is the government department that keeps a record of the land and property owned in England and Wales. Its main job is to make property transactions clear and secure by maintaining a centralised system to record and verify ownership details. This helps ensure that property dealings are transparent and legally sound.
This includes:
If you’re unsure if your house is properly registered with the Land Registry, you can check on the government website.
First, go to the official Land Registry website to access information about property ownership in England and Wales.
You can then use the property search tool by entering your property's address or title number to find out if it’s registered.
The Land Registry offers a free search service to check if your property is registered. This gives you a basic property summary, which will include:
For more detailed information, such as the title register and the title plan, you can purchase documents for a small fee. The title register usually includes:
Title deeds are official documents that prove ownership of property and land. They detail the property’s history and any covenants, along with the owner's rights, obligations, and boundaries. Having a copy of the title deeds is essential if you ever need to resolve any litigation disputes or confirm ownership.
You can request copies of the title deeds from the Land Registry for a fee, either online or by post, or your conveyancing solicitor can help you obtain them.
There are a couple of reasons why a property may not appear on the land registry. For example, if you owned your home prior to 1990 and have not remortgaged since then, your property may not be listed.
Getting your property listed on the land registry is a straightforward process, however, and our conveyancing experts at GloverPriest would be happy to help.
If your house isn't registered, it's wise to get it done to protect your ownership rights and make future transactions easier. You could instruct a specialist conveyancing solicitor to handle the process for you who’ll ensure all your documents are accurate and complete, or you can do it yourself.
Start by gathering essential documents like proof of ownership (title deeds), a completed application form from the Land Registry website, relevant maps or property plans, and identification documents.
Submit your application online or by post. The fee varies based on your property's value, and the schedule is available on the Land Registry website. Once processed, you'll receive confirmation that your property is registered, including an official copy of the title register and a title plan.
The time it takes for the Land Registry to update title deeds can vary, typically ranging from a few weeks to a few months.
More complicated cases involving extensive documentation or multiple parties often take longer. A high volume of applications will also slow down processing times.
When submitting documents, making sure they’re accurate is another factor that will speed up the process. Mistakes or missing information can lead to delays, so it's wise to double-check all paperwork before submission.
If you're in a hurry, a conveyancing solicitor can help. They can streamline the process by ensuring all documentation is in order and providing guidance to avoid common mistakes and unnecessary delays.
Registering your property with the Land Registry is usually straightforward, but sometimes issues arise. One common problem is missing or incomplete documentation, which can delay the process. To avoid this, make sure all necessary documents, like proof of ownership and identification, are correctly filled out and submitted.
Boundary disputes can also cause problems. Having clear, up-to-date maps or plans can help resolve these issues. If discrepancies occur, consulting a professional surveyor for accurate details is advisable.
Unresolved legal matters or previous ownership disputes linked to the property can complicate registration. In such cases, seeking legal advice from a conveyancing solicitor can help navigate these complexities and ensure a smooth registration.
At GloverPriest, our specialist conveyancing lawyers are here to assist you with every aspect of property registration. Whether you need help checking if your house is on the Land Registry, navigating the registration process, or resolving common issues, we offer expert guidance and support to ensure your property transactions are smooth and legally sound.
If you need further assistance, our team is ready to help you protect your investment and secure your property rights. Complete our enquiry form or give us a call to get started.
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At GloverPriest, we understand navigating the law can be a difficult task to take on alone. That’s why we created this comprehensive guide to help promote information for everyone to use.
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