Seven Reasons to Register Your Property

Nearly 10% of land in England and Wales remains unregistered at HM Land Registry, often because the owner purchased it long ago or inherited it. While this may not affect your daily life, it could disadvantage you in the future if you want to sell or re-mortgage. Here are seven key reasons to register your property.

  1. Easier Proof of Ownership

 

Registered property simplifies ownership verification. Prospective buyers can easily obtain proof of ownership from HM Land Registry. In contrast, unregistered property requires providing a chain of title deeds, which is riskier, as deeds may be lost or destroyed. Registration ensures ownership is stored electronically, making access easy.

 

 

Registered properties have their ownership details clearly outlined by HM Land Registry, making it easy to confirm property boundaries and any interests affecting the land. For unregistered land, Solicitors must trace ownership through a chain of conveyances, which can be complex and time-consuming.

 

 

Registered properties benefit from the "title absolute," providing a state-backed guarantee of ownership. If an error occurs in the registry, HM Land Registry offers compensation to those who suffer losses, offering peace of mind to both owners and potential buyers.

 

 

Registered property significantly reduces delays in conveyancing. With clearly established ownership and charges, registration eliminates many issues that unregistered properties face, such as missing deeds or difficulty proving mortgage release.

 

 

Companies and large organisations, such as those offering mortgage or solar panel schemes, prefer dealing with registered land. They can quickly confirm ownership and relevant details, making transactions faster and smoother.

 

 

Registered property provides better protection against adverse possession. If someone tries to claim your property through squatting, HM Land Registry will notify you, giving you time to object and defend your ownership.

 

 

Registered properties offer better safeguards against fraud. You can request restrictions on title transfers and sign up for alerts if anyone tries to alter the register. There’s no such protection for unregistered properties where possession of the deeds can be taken as proof of ownership.

 

We have extensive experience of dealing with both registered and unregistered land.  If your property is unregistered, we can apply to HM Land Registry to register it on your behalf. Then you will have all the advantages of being a registered owner, which will also stand you in good stead if you come to sell.  

 

 For further information or an informal discussion, please contact Holly Stevens in the Residential Property Team on York 01904 716000, Wetherby 01937 583210 or Malton 01653 692247 or email holly.stevens@warekay.co.uk to see how we can assist.