HM Land Registry keeps the official record of who owns land and property in England and Wales, and on what terms. When your solicitor talks about "the title", they're referring to this official record.

What's in a Title Register

  • Property register — describes the property and its boundaries, and whether it's freehold or leasehold
  • Proprietorship register — names the current legal owner and the price paid at the last sale (where recorded)
  • Charges register — lists mortgages, restrictions, and other rights affecting the property, such as covenants or rights of way
Why your solicitor checks this early: it confirms the seller genuinely owns the property and reveals anything — like a restrictive covenant or an existing mortgage — that needs resolving before you buy.

What a Title Plan shows

Alongside the register, a Title Plan is a map showing the property's approximate boundaries, based on Ordnance Survey mapping. It's usually indicative rather than a precise legal boundary, which is why boundary disputes sometimes require separate investigation.

Is every property registered?

The vast majority are, but a small number of long-unsold properties remain unregistered. A sale usually triggers first registration if this is the case, which your solicitor handles as part of the transaction.

Can I check a Title Register myself?

Yes — Title Registers for registered land in England and Wales can generally be obtained for a small fee, and it's a useful way to understand a property before making an offer.

This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.