Land Registry registers its 23 millionth title
At the beginning of October 2011 the number of title registered by the Land Registry in England and Wales passed the 23 million mark. This however, still leaves almost 25% of England and Wales unregistered.
What is registration?
All land and property ownership in England and Wales is subject to a system of registration at the Land Registry. Land registration confers benefits and safeguards to property owners. In particular the registered title is guaranteed so that if an owner suffers loss as a result of an error in the title, compensation should be payable.
When you buy your new home your title to this will be registered at the Land Registry by your conveyancer. First registration of a title may also be required when a property is mortgaged or when ownership changes other than by a sale, i.e on death. The title is held electronically, and so there are no deeds as such. The registers are public and the price you pay for the property is shown.
If you or your family have owned your home for many years and the title is not registered, you may apply to the Land Registry to register this voluntarily.
If your title is not registered at land Registry then you need to keep your deeds safely and have to use these to 'prove' your title. Each individual document is important. If the deeds are lost or are incomplete in any way then this can cause difficulties, delays and expense. Registration simplifies this for you, and provides you with certainty and security.
Why register?
If you register your title:
- The extent of your property will be shown on a Land Registry filed plan
- The Land Registry guarantees your title
- The Land Registry hold your title electronically which means that there are no deeds which can be lost
- You will receive a copy of your title from the Land Registry and copies can be obtained by your legal representatives electronically on your behalf when required
- Your interest in and title to the property is protected by being part of a public register
- You will have security and certainty as to what you own
- It will simplify any subsequent transactions whether in your lifetime or by your executors and beneficiaries in the event of your death
Need more information?
For more information, or to instruct us to apply to the Land Registry for the registration of your title please speak to your usual Wards contact, or email Susan Ellis on susan.ellis@wards.uk.com.