What are Title Deeds?

Where are title deeds stored?

As mentioned above, title deeds are stored electronically by the Land Registry. They have written a helpful guide here on how to use their title register to access and view deeds. You should be aware that downloading them does include a small fee.

If your home is a new build property then it may not appear on the register. If this is the case then you’ll need to go through a few steps to apply for first registration. You can view a detailed guide of these steps on the HM Land Registry website.

Do all houses have deeds?

Yes. All properties and lands will have deeds that are stored with the Land Registry. This is a legal requirement as they are the documents that show the official ownership of the land. It’s a necessary part of the conveyancing process if you’re selling a house in the UK.

How do I transfer title deeds?

It can be a little complex to transfer deeds. It is possible to change the deeds of a house without the help of a legal professional. However it is always best practice to consult a solicitor or conveyancer when dealing with the ownership of property. There are a few circumstances in which a homeowner may want to transfer their property deeds such as:

• Marriage: the homeowner may want to add their new spouse to the title.
• Death or divorce: this requires the deeds to be updated.
• Probate: a child or beneficiary of a will may need to be added onto the title as part of the deceased’s last wishes.

In order to transfer deeds there’s a few simple steps that you’ll need to follow. You can see some guidelines on the government website. In short, you’ll need to:

• Download and fill out what is known as an AP1 form. You can find the application form here.
• Fill in a transfer of registered title form.
• Fill in a certificate of identity for a private individual.
• Find out the correct fee. You can use the Land Registry Fee Calculator.
• Send over these documents along with the forms and fee to HM Land Registry.

If you’re reading this because you’re looking to sell your house fast and you’re looking for a cash buyer, SmoothSale can help. Our cash house buyers service is designed for vendors looking for a guaranteed sale of their property in as little as 7 days. Alternatively, we offer an ‘Investor Marketing’ route to market for vendors who want to sell their property to our network of trusted investors in under 30 days.

Get a cash offer today! Alternatively, get in contact on 0800 368 8952.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the difference between a title and a deed?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, a “title” refers to legal ownership and the associated rights, while a “deed” is the physical document that proves ownership.

Can someone else claim ownership of my property if I have a title deed?

In theory, yes. However, a validly recorded title deed is strong evidence of ownership. Disputes may arise, but your claim is supported by the deed.

Is a title deed the same as title insurance?

No, they’re different. A title deed proves ownership, while title insurance protects against financial loss from title defects, such as undiscovered liens or fraud.

What happens if I lose my title deed?

Losing a title deed can complicate matters, but it doesn’t necessarily mean loss of ownership. Reconstructing the deed or obtaining a copy can resolve the issue.

Can I transfer property without a title deed?

In most cases, transferring property requires a title deed. Without it, proving ownership becomes challenging, and legal transfers could be hindered.

Are electronic title deeds valid?

Yes, many jurisdictions accept electronic title deeds as valid proof of ownership. They offer convenience and often have built-in security measures.