Voluntary Registration is the process by which the ownership of a property is officially registered with the Land Registry.
There are many benefits to registering your property, even if you do not intend to sell it in the near future.
Proof of Ownership
Once a property is registered, the proof of ownership is recorded electronically with the Land Registry, thereby reducing the risk of lost or damaged deeds. The Land Registry will also produce a title plan based on the current Ordnance Survey map showing the extent of the land in your ownership.
Simpler Conveyancing
For future transactions, a property that is registered with the Land Registry simplifies the conveyancing process, whether that may be a sale, gift, mortgage, or transfer. This is because all the relevant information regarding that property and its legal ownership is available from the Land Registry, which can reduce costs and help prevent delays.
Protection
Registering your property with the Land Registry provides a secure record of the ownership. This helps to protect you against fraudulent claims of ownership of your property as well as claims of adverse possession, whereby someone attempts to gain ownership of the land by occupying it for a certain period without the owner’s permission.
Reduced Land Registry Fees
Higher Land Registry fees apply when registration becomes required by law, such as after a sale is completed. This is because the Land Registry must establish a new title, which involves checking the deeds to gather more information on the history of the property.
On the other hand, if you submit an application for Voluntary Registration, the Land Registry will offer a reduced fee.
How Can We Help?
If you’re thinking of registering your property, or if you have any questions regarding the information above, our team are here to help. Our experts will guide you through each stage of the process, keeping you informed throughout. Call us now on 01743 248545 to get your enquiry started.
