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When you’re buying a property, conducting Land Registry searches, also known as title searches, is an essential step in the process. These compulsory searches confirm the property’s legal status and ensure a smooth transaction, whether you’re buying with a mortgage or as a cash buyer. Once these searches are complete, legal ownership can be transferred from the seller to you and registered at the Land Registry.
What is the Land Registry and why are Land Registry searches important?
The Land Registry is a government-led department that stores all information on land and property ownership in England and Wales, ensuring that property ownership is transparent and secure.
Conducting Land Registry searches involves reviewing this documentation to confirm that the seller is indeed the registered owner with the right to sell.
Searches provide information on property boundaries, rights of way, existing mortgages or charges, and any other restrictions that may apply. By ensuring all details match official records, they help prevent fraud and protect your investment.
What information does the Land Registry hold?
Title Deeds
Title deeds are the legal documents that prove property ownership and detail the property's history. In the past, these were paper documents, but now the Land Registry holds most records electronically. The title deeds comprise two main components: title register and title plan.
Title Register
This provides key information about the financial and ownership history of the property, including:
Previous owners
Price paid at purchase
Any charges or debts registered against the property
Details on rights of way through the property
Title Plan
The title plan is a map of the location of the property and its general boundaries. This clarifies the extent of the property’s grounds, preventing any encroachment from neighbouring properties onto your land.
How to register your property at the Land Registry
There are multiple forms you need to complete, and there will usually be a fee to pay. If you're using a conveyancer for your purchase, they will provide all the forms and communicate with you through the process. They’ll also take care of registering the change of ownership with the Land Registry upon completion.
How conveyancers facilitate Land Registry processes
Here’s how a conveyancer can facilitate Land Registry processes:
Conducting Land Registry searches: They perform all necessary searches to uncover any issues affecting the property.
Interpreting results: They explain the search results to you, ensuring you understand any implications.
Resolving issues: If any problems arise during the searches, such as undisclosed charges or boundary disputes, they work to resolve them on your behalf.
Preparing documentation: They prepare and review all legal documents required for the transfer of ownership.
Registering the property: Upon completion, they handle the registration of the new ownership with the Land Registry, ensuring all details are accurate and up-to-date.
If you’re buying a house and need a conveyancer to act on your behalf, use our online calculator to get an instant quote.
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