Unregistered Property

Our property experts are able to help you navigate the process of registering land or property for the first time with HM Land Registry.

You are required to register land or property in the event you have purchased or mortgaged it, been gifted or have inherited it, or have received it in exchange for other property or land, otherwise known as a disposition. This is automatically undertaken as part of any such conveyancing process.

However, a property might not be registered if you, or someone else, owned it before compulsory registration in your local area and there has not been a disposition since then. In these circumstances we can help you voluntarily register an unregistered property you own.

Around 15% of land in England and Wales is unregistered, and the HM Land Registry who keep a national record of property ownership, are aiming to have all properties registered with them by 2030.

By registering with HM Land Registry your ownership of the property is published, alongside the legal title matters, price paid and a plan of the property’s boundaries – with a record then maintained covering any future ownership changes, overages, mortgages, easements or leases.

Why should I register my property?

Peace of mind for you and your loved ones – registration prevents losing/misplacing your deeds to the property which can then result in you holding no evidence of who owns the property. This is also important if you have to sell a property on behalf of a relative who no longer has capacity or after a bereavement.

Digital access – all information is held electronically at HM Land Registry and is instantly downloadable.

Speed up the selling of your property – registration makes the sale smoother and prevents the need for additional enquiries and delay.

Protect against fraud – HM Land Registry will send you an email alert each time there is significant activity on the property you are monitoring, such as if a new mortgage has been taken out against the property.

Insure against future costs – if any deeds are missing from the title documents this can be highlighted immediately and an indemnity policy can be put in place, so when you come to sell the property the issue has been addressed.