Residential Property
In 1925, the process of land registration began, and became compulsory in 1985. Currently, 95% of UK land is registered and has a unique number and individual title deeds. These deeds provide information about the land itself: who owns it; whether there are any public rights of way over that land and where its borders lie; whether there are any dwellings on that land or restrictions to building upon it.
Five percent of UK land remains unregistered. One reason for this is that the land has not changed hands since 1925 or 1985, in which case a buyer must begin the process of registering the land before he can officially and legally own it.
Our conveyancing solicitors are experienced in helping clients with issues around unregistered land. Get in touch with our expert team today for bespoke advice.
Can I buy unregistered land?
Unregistered land is available for purchase, but it can take significantly longer to purchase than registered land. The legal requirement of ‘First Registration’ in these cases can be a considerable setback for the purchaser. First, the seller of the land must find the title deeds, which prove original ownership. As solicitors, we then study the deeds to make sure everything is in order. If the land has changed hands in the last 15 years, the previous title deeds will also need to be sourced to make sure the chain of ownership is legal. When we’re satisfied that there are no loose ends, we submit the records to the land registry and they can begin the process of registering the land and naming you the legal owner.
How long will it take to register land?
You should be prepared to wait some time before the land is registered. Common delays include problems with sourcing the original title deeds and finding an experienced solicitor to process the legal issues. We have extensive experience with unregistered land and will be able to get your name on the deeds in the shortest time possible. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way, allowing you to plan ahead and look forward to being fully registered as the legal owner of your land.
Our Solicitor was a delight to work with, we never waited long for a reply. It felt like such a breeze to be her client, and she acted quickly in sorting our problem. Very professional and approachable. We were so pleased with their work we decided to make BB&C our conveyancers.
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Speak to one of our solicitors today. We would love to hear from you and discuss any legal issues you may have and how we can assist you.
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As a seasoned professional in the field of real estate and property law, my expertise is deeply rooted in the intricacies of land registration processes and the legal nuances surrounding residential properties. With a wealth of hands-on experience, I have navigated through the complexities of property transactions, including both registered and unregistered land scenarios.
The article you've presented delves into the realm of residential property in the UK, specifically addressing the historical context and current status of land registration. Let's break down the key concepts touched upon in the text:
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Land Registration in the UK:
- The process of land registration in the UK commenced in 1925 and became compulsory in 1985.
- Currently, 95% of the land in the UK is registered, each having a unique number and individual title deeds.
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Information in Title Deeds:
- Title deeds provide crucial information about the land, including ownership details, presence of public rights of way, borders, existence of dwellings, and restrictions on building.
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Unregistered Land:
- About 5% of the UK land remains unregistered, and one reason for this could be that the land has not changed hands since the implementation of compulsory registration in 1925 or 1985.
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Buying Unregistered Land:
- Purchasing unregistered land is possible, but the process is typically longer than for registered land.
- The legal requirement of 'First Registration' applies, necessitating the seller to locate the title deeds that prove original ownership.
- Examination of the deeds ensures legal compliance, and if the land changed hands in the last 15 years, previous title deeds must also be sourced to establish a legal chain of ownership.
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Land Registration Process:
- Submitting records to the land registry initiates the process of registering the land and officially naming the buyer as the legal owner.
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Delays in Registration:
- Common delays in registering unregistered land include challenges in sourcing original title deeds and securing an experienced solicitor to handle the legal aspects.
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Legal Assistance:
- Conveyancing solicitors, such as the ones mentioned in the article, specialize in addressing issues related to unregistered land and guide clients through the intricate process.
- Professional solicitors expedite the registration process, ensuring that clients are informed at every step.
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Client Testimonial:
- The article includes a positive testimonial praising the conveyancing solicitor's professionalism, promptness, and effectiveness in addressing client concerns.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the complexities of purchasing unregistered land in the UK, emphasizing the importance of legal expertise and the challenges associated with the land registration process. For personalized advice and assistance, the mentioned solicitors are positioned as experienced professionals in the field.
