Do You Own Unregistered Property or Land? Here's Why You Should Consider Registering It

You might be surprised to learn that around 15% of land and property in the UK remains unregistered. While certain events - a property sale, remortgage, assent, gift or lease of a property, to name a few - trigger compulsory registration, many properties still haven’t gone through the process.

So, does it matter if your property is unregistered? Actually, yes. Choosing to complete a voluntary first registration can bring several benefits. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

5 Key Reasons to Register Your Property/Land

1. Protection Against Property Fraud
   If your land isn't registered, the Land Registry does not have your details on their electronic systems so as to notify you if someone else is trying to claim rights or a form of interest over it. Registration adds a layer of protection and peace of mind.
2. Avoid Boundary Disputes
   Boundaries can be wrongly recorded by neighbours with registered land. When you eventually go to sell your unregistered property, these issues often only then come to light - causing delays, extra costs, and unnecessary stress.
3. Secure Your Title Documents
   Unregistered title deeds can be lost or damaged. Without them, proving ownership can be a costly and lengthy legal ordeal as evidence then needs to be compiled to prove your ownership. Registration digitises your title and secures it with the Land Registry until disposal.
4. Speed Up Future Sales
   Buyers and solicitors prefer registered land because it makes the conveyancing process faster and cheaper. All title information is readily available online, cutting out the need for chasing down old paper deeds. That is not to say there is anything wrong with an unregistered sale, but solicitors will often charge higher fees for the additional time and administration that comes hand in hand with such.
5. No More Worry About Storing Deeds
   With many banks no longer storing deeds after a mortgage is paid off, homeowners are left with the responsibility of safekeeping them. Registration eliminates this burden.

While voluntary registration isn’t mandatory, it’s a proactive step that can save you time, money, and stress in the future. If you’re interested in protecting your property and streamlining future transactions, our Residential Conveyancing team is here to help. Ask for Sarah or Stella - they’ll be more than happy to talk you through the process.

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