Understanding Your Title Register

Solicitor Ed Williams, in our Commercial Property team, highlights the importance of understanding your property title register.

When your property is registered with the HM Land Registry, it will have a unique title number and will comprise of a title register and, in most cases, a title plan. The title register includes key information about the property, and it is important to understand what it says in order to best manage your asset.  

General outline

Each title register is divided into three sections: the Property Register, the Proprietorship Register and the Charges Register. Some registers also have schedules, where further details are included. The content of a register will vary depending on the complexity of the title.

The Property Register

This part contains:

• A brief description of the property, including whether it is freehold or leasehold and confirmation that it is shown on its associated title plan;
• Details of any rights benefiting the property, such as a private right of way.

If the property is leasehold, the register will also include key details of the lease, including the date, parties and the contractual term. The register may also contain entries such as:

• References to property that does not form part of the registered title (for example, mines and minerals);
• Rights relating to light or air, or boundary structures;
• Land that has been removed from the title.

The Proprietorship Register

This register shows:

• The class of title;
• The names of the current registered owners and their contact addresses;
• Any restrictions limiting the owner’s ability to deal with the property (for example, requiring lender or third party consent before a disposition).

The Charges Register

This register records matters burdening/affecting the title.

Information may include:

• Mortgages and other financial charges that are secured on the property;
• Third-party rights affecting use of the property, such as rights of way and restrictive covenants;
• Tenancies affecting all or part of the property, sometimes listed in the schedule of leases.

Conclusion

We recommend ensuring that you understand your title register. If you need assistance reviewing your title register, professional advice should be sought.

For further information or legal advice, please contact law@blandy.co.uk or call 0118 951 6800.