Why keep your details up to date on the Land Registry?

There are several reasons why it is very important to keep your information up to date on the Land Registry. This applies equally to property that is your main home and to any property you own but do not live in yourself.

Proof of Ownership

The main reason for keeping information up to date is that the Land Registry is the official record of land and property ownership in the UK. So, keeping it up to date ensures that your ‘legal title’ is clear and you can prove your ownership at any point.

Preventing or Resolving Disputes

Disputes over ownership, boundaries, easements or rights of way are more likely if the details held by the Land Registry are incorrect or out of date. Ensuring that your details are up to date will make it easier to resolve any disputes with neighbours or others, or to nip them in the bud.

Protecting your Financial Security

Property fraud is on the increase and properties with outdated ownership details are more likely to be targeted by criminals than those which have clearly been updated recently. Fraudsters frequently try to pose as owners of properties that are empty, rented out or mortgage-free and then either try to sell them or attempt a mortgage scam. Criminals may also target properties without outdated ownership details.

Once your property is registered on the Land Registry you can sign up for free fraud alerts if someone tries to make changes. To ensure you receive these alerts it will be important to keep your contact information up to date. You are able to supply up to three different contact addresses for this purpose. While ensuring that all of your contact details are up to date at all times is advised, at least if you have three means of contact and one of them changes there will still be two which are accurate.

Ensuring Smooth Transactions or Development

If the time comes to sell, remortgage or transfer the property, having up-to-date records prevents delays or legal complications.

Similarly, if you are wishing to apply for planning permission in relation to the property, this will require your land ownership data to be accurate.

Inheritance and Estate Planning

When someone dies, it is easier to manage or transfer their property if the Land Registry records are up to date. Inaccurate or outdated ownership records can cause problems for the executors or beneficiaries of an estate.

When should you update your information with the Land Registry?

The following are some key trigger points for remembering to update your information with the Land Registry.

• After buying or selling a property
• After changing your name (for example on marriage or divorce)
• After inheriting a property
• After building an extension or altering boundaries
• After granting or removing a right of way or easement
• After correcting any historical errors
• After changing your address, if this is separate from buying or selling the registered property. For instance, if you rent out the property you own to move in with a new partner or spouse in their property.
• After paying off your mortgage. Usually your mortgage provider will do this automatically but sometimes people receive a ‘cancellation of charges’ form and then have to take their own steps to update the Land Registry.
• If you marry or divorce and wish to add or remove a person from the ownership information
• If you gift the property to someone else
• If you are the co-owner of a property and the other person dies, you should also update the Land Registry at this point.

Is it compulsory to register your property?

It is not yet compulsory to have your land registered with the Land Registry and to ensure that your details are up to date. However, any properties bought or sold since 1990 will have to have been registered and any that are currently unregistered will need to be registered before there is a change of ownership.

So, registering any unregistered land or property and then keeping the ownership details up to date is a sensible way to protect your property assets and ensure peace of mind in relation to your ownership.

If you need help in relation to registering a property or updating details, please contact a member of our conveyancing team.

How To Contact Us:

To contact a member of our team, you can fill in our online enquiry form, email info@fraserdawbarns.com, or call your nearest office below. If you’d like to speak to a member of our team at one of our offices across Norfolk and Cambridgeshire, visit our offices page.

Wisbech: 01945 461456

March: 01354 602880

King’s Lynn: 01553 666600

Ely: 01353 383483
Downham Market: 01366 383171

This article aims to supply general information, but it is not intended to constitute advice. Every effort is made to ensure that the law referred to is correct at the date of publication and to avoid any statement which may mislead. However, no duty of care is assumed to any person and no liability is accepted for any omission or inaccuracy. Always seek advice specific to your own circumstances. Fraser Dawbarns LLP is always happy to provide such advice.