How do I know if my property is registered or unregistered?

If your property is registered, it will be given a Land Registry Title Number. Usually two letters, followed by some numbers, (e.g. AA12345). You can follow the steps on the Government website to search for your property. If no information comes up, then it is likely your property is unregistered.

What are the benefits of voluntary registration?

There are numerous benefits to registering the property prior to any disposition (i.e., a Transfer, Sale or Remortgage) these include the following:

  • There will be registered proof of ownership, as opposed to having to rely solely on any Title Deeds in your possession
  • The Land Registry Fee is cheaper
  • All the necessary Deeds and documents would be stored electronically reducing the risk of any documents being mislaid or damaged
  • It is likely to make any subsequent disposition quicker and easier
  • There is greater protection against property fraud or possible adverse possession claims (squatters rights)
  • The Plan is registered, and boundaries clearly identified (unfortunately some old Conveyance Plans no longer correspond with the boundaries on the ground)
  • Any issues with property/boundaries can be dealt with at the time of registration as opposed to having to deal with them when time constraints may be more stringent when disposing of the property

How can Ellisons help?

The Residential Property Team at Ellisons have a vast knowledge of unregistered land and dealing with the registration of the same. The Team would require sight of your original Deeds to extract the relevant documents and prepare the necessary paperwork for your approval before sending to the Land Registry. The Land Registry then consolidate the essential information into the ‘Title Register’ which is available to download electronically directly from the Land Registry.

What if I do not have the Deeds to my property?

If you cannot locate the original Deeds, the first step would be to approach any previous Solicitors or Lender involved with any past transactions to see if they are holding them. If not, then an application to the Land Registry can still be made but more in-depth investigations are required.

Please see our article on adverse possession for more information.

If you would like to discuss making any application to the Land Registry, please do not hesitate to contact our Residential Conveyancing Team on 01206 764477 or email us at enquiries@ellisonssolicitors.com.