Verifying UK Property Details – A Step-By-Step Guide To Land Registry Searches

When buying, selling, or researching a property in England or Wales, obtaining records from the HM Land Registry should be a priority. Official copies of title deeds confirm the legal ownership, boundaries and rights associated with the land and buildings. Conducting a Land Registry search ensures you have accurate information before proceeding with any property transaction.

Why Verify Property Details?

Requesting an official Land Registry search is a fundamental step when buying or selling property, and it serves several crucial purposes that provide peace of mind and legal security throughout the property transaction. Here are detailed insights into why verifying property details through the Land Registry is of utmost importance

Confirms True Ownership – One of the primary reasons for conducting a Land Registry search is to confirm the true ownership of the property. This is a critical step in the process as it conclusively proves who the current registered proprietors are. It safeguards both the buyer and seller by ensuring that the person or entity claiming ownership indeed holds the legal title to the property.

Checks for Limitations – The Land Registry search is a comprehensive tool that uncovers various property-related details. Among these, it checks for any limitations, including rights of way, restrictions, and easements associated with the property. These limitations can significantly affect how the property can be used and enjoyed, making it essential to be aware of them before the transaction is finalised.

Shows Total Area – Understanding the total area and boundary measurements of a property is vital for various reasons, including assessing its true value and complying with local regulations. A Land Registry search provides these measurements, allowing buyers to validate the size of the plot accurately. This helps in ensuring that the property’s size aligns with expectations and legal requirements.

Proves Title Legitimacy – The Land Registry serves as the official and authoritative repository of land and property records in the UK. Registering a property with the Land Registry is a rigorous process, and it only recognises legal and valid ownership. By verifying property details through the Land Registry, both buyers and sellers can have confidence in the legitimacy of the property’s title.

Highlights Mortgage Charges – For potential buyers, it’s crucial to be aware of any mortgage charges or encumbrances on the property. A Land Registry search reveals whether the property currently serves as security for any borrowing or if there are any outstanding financial claims against it. This information is vital for assessing the financial implications of the purchase.

Indicates Planning Approvals – Another significant aspect of the Land Registry search is its ability to indicate any planning approvals or building regulations consents related to the property. This information is valuable for buyers, as it provides insights into any past modifications, additions, or renovations to the property, and whether they were carried out in compliance with local regulations.

Verifying property details through an official Land Registry search is a critical step in the property transaction process. It not only confirms ownership but also provides valuable information regarding property limitations, size, title legitimacy, financial obligations, and past planning approvals. This comprehensive search ensures that both buyers and sellers have a clear and accurate understanding of the property’s status, ultimately safeguarding their interests and providing a strong foundation for a successful property transaction.

Having the verified facts directly from Land Registry records enables you to make fully informed decisions when buying, selling or borrowing against a property.

How to Do a Land Registry Search

HM Land Registry holds over 25 million titles and 92% of land in England and Wales is now registered. Here are the steps to obtain information

Gather Property Details

Address
Postcode
Title number (if known)

Visit Gov.uk Website

Navigate to “Search for Property Information” on the Land Registry portal

Input Address

Enter the property address or title number
Select the type of record you need

Pay Search Fee

Fees range from £3 for title summary to £45 for the full deed
Pay via credit/debit card on the Gov.uk site

Download Search Results

A digital copy of the register and map was emailed instantly
Paper copies take 2-3 weeks if preferred

The process is designed for DIY access. But conveyancers also conduct searches for clients as part of the home buying/selling process.

What Does a Land Registry Search Show?

The information contained in Land Registry records reveals a multitude of details about a property. At a minimum, it includes

Title number
Address
Location map
Description of Boundaries
Area measurement
Current owner names
Purchase price paid
Date of registration
Mortgages or charges
Rights of way
Building regulations approvals
Covenants or restrictions

Having all legal particulars conveniently in one place provides assurance when transacting.

Title Register Search Options

Land Registry offers a range of search choices depending on your needs and budget

Title summary – Basic details of ownership, price paid, location and layout. Costs £3.
Title register – Full current facts including rights, restrictions and mortgages. Costs £3.
Title plan – Detailed map showing boundaries and access points. Costs £3.
Full title deed – Combines register, plan, and historical records. Costs £45.
Title register and plan – Popular paired option providing key facts. Costs £6.

Unless you need historical records, the £6 title register and title plan combination cover most needs for residential properties.

Why Are Official Searches Vital When Buying?

When purchasing a property, the Land Registry search provides buyer reassurance by confirming

Legal ownership – It proves the seller has the right to sell the home to you.
Accurate boundaries – So you know exactly what land area is included.
Absence of restrictions – There are no easements, covenants or rights limiting your use.
Mortgage disclosure – Outstanding lending on the property is revealed.
Measurements – Validating the square footage matches the floor plan.
Planning consents – Alterations have been done with regulator approval.

Without the verified facts from the Land Registry, buyers risk an inaccurate view of what they are purchasing.

Why Are Searches Essential When Selling?

For sellers, conducting an upfront Land Registry search avoids issues later

Proves your ownership – So buyers have confidence you hold the title.
Details mortgage – Allows you to settle any lending before sale.
Highlights shared rights – Reminds you of access arrangements with neighbours.
Provides key details – Such as title number and plan needed for listings.
Shows historic approvals – Your permitted development rights are clear.
Confirms boundaries – So ownership of fences, hedges and access points is clear.

Having all information readily available also streamlines the conveyancing process.

Protecting Your Interests with Search Before Lending

If using your property as security for borrowing, Land Registry searches help lenders by

Proving your ownership – So they can register a mortgage charge against you as a titleholder.
Revealing existing charges – Uncovering any prior mortgages or loans already secured on the property.
Checking for limitations – That could prevent the lender from taking possession if you default.
Verifying measurements – Lending reflects true property value, not overstated size.
Confirming approvals – Buildings erected with proper consent reassure lenders.

Thorough due diligence via the Land Registry helps minimise risks for banks and borrowers alike.

How Registry Direct Protects Buyers and Sellers

The added safeguard of Registry Direct alerts buyers and sellers to changes between search and completion. When a transaction is registered, the Land Registry informs the purchaser of any alterations during the process. This protects all involved parties.

Understanding Keys Elements of Search Results

When you receive Land Registry search results, here are the most important details to review

Title number – Unique identifier for the property. Needed for future searches.
Tenure – Confirms if it is freehold or leasehold. The remaining lease term will be shown for the latter.
Owner names – Full legal names of the registered proprietors.
Price paid – What current owners purchased it for previously, if available.
Mortgages – Whether any outstanding lending is secured on it.
Plan – Boundary lines, access points and right of ways marked clearly.
Measurements – Total plot size and breakdown of internal spaces.
Regulation approvals – Dates of significant planning consents.

Scrutinising these specifics equips you with the facts about the property directly from the ultimate authority.

What to Do if Registry Details are Incorrect

Occasionally errors do occur in Land Registry records. Typical mistakes include

Typographical errors in names or addresses.
Incorrect price recorded.
Outdated mortgage details not discharged.
Confused boundaries on the plan.
Missing easements and rights of way.
Inaccurate measurements.

While doing a land registry check, If you spot factual errors, contact them immediately. Provide evidence supporting corrections, such as a surveyor’s report. For a fee of £110, amendments can be made. This protects your interests and keeps official records accurate.

Key Takeaways for Land Registry Searches

Whenever buying, selling or borrowing against property, turn to the Land Registry for the definitive facts. Key tips

Search online via Gov. uk for digital copy within minutes.
Fees are low, starting at £3 for key details.
Combine Title Register and Title Plan for comprehensive results.
Checks prove legal ownership, boundaries, restrictions and more.
Have professionals search on your behalf during transactions.
Scrutinise mortgage, map, sizes and approvals information.
Use Registry Direct service to get updates right through to completion.
Pay to correct any errors you identify.

Ensuring you have official verified information protects your interests and provides confidence when transacting property.

In Summary

Relying on assumptions rather than facts when dealing with property leaves you vulnerable to risks. Obtaining a search from the Land Registry website reveals the realities about ownership, rights, claims on the title, measurements and more. For just £3-6, searches give total clarity on what you are buying, selling or borrowing against. Making Land Registry searches standard practice adds an extra layer of protection for all involved.