In England and Wales, registration at the Land Registry is the official recording of property ownership.  It is compulsory to register unregistered land at the Land Registry when a property is sold, gifted, inherited or a mortgage is taken.  It is commonly assumed that all land is now registered, however this is not the case and where land has been in the same ownership for generations, registration may not yet have taken place.

Even where none of the above qualifying requirements are taking place, we would still recommend completing a voluntary registration.  The cost of registration depends on the property value, however there is a 25% reduction for voluntary first registrations.  Once registered, the Title provides a greater level of security surrounding the property ownership and helps prevent against applications for adverse possession.  A registered title also makes any future selling or buying process simpler, as the necessary information required for conveyancing will be included within the Land Register, with the Land Registry collating relevant information from historic deeds.  Overall, a registered title helps provide clarity of ownership and illustrates what benefits and burdens are attached to land.  The Title Plan also helps evidence the extent of property boundaries.  If you are unsure whether your land is properly registered, we can review the Land Registry Mapping system to aid the First Registration process with your solicitor.