Land Registry plays a very important role in the lives of UK landlords. The Land Registry is a government agency (HM Land Registry) responsible for registering the ownership of land and property in England and Wales.It operates under Her Majesty’s Land Registry (HMLR). From this post you can learn What is Land Registry?, what is the purpose of land registration?, what to do to register land? We will give detailed information about etc.
What is Land Registry?
The Land Registry is a huge record keeper for the ownership of land and property in England and Wales. This is a government body (HM Land Registry) which keeps an official record of who owns which piece of land.
HM Land Registry’s database includes:
- Property Details: This includes the exact location, size and other features of the land etc. of the property.
- Land owner information: This section records who legally owns the property (if it is freehold or leasehold) and records any restrictions on the property.
- Financial Encumbrances: This section details the debts owed on the property
Purpose of Land Registry
- Guarantee of Land Ownership (Guarantee of Title): Registering land with HM Land Registry Department provides definitive information on who owns it. If a person shows false ownership of the land, the claim can be rejected by the Land Registry Department as they have all the land records.
- Transparency: Anyone can access land registry information. You can get detailed information about land ownership in the Land Registry Department.
- Smoother Transactions: When you buy or sell a property, the Land Registry updates the property’s records to reflect the new ownership. And eases the process of land registration.
- Legal support: Land registry records are considered strong evidence in court cases related to land ownership. This prevents disputes arising in respect of land records.
Land Registration Process
Land can be registered in the Land Registry in the following ways:
- Application: To register the land first you have to submit your application to the Land Registry Office. There are two methods of application you can fill online application or send your application by post.
- Examination: The Land Registry will carefully examine your application. It is the department’s job to ensure and check that all your information is accurate and legal and your documents are correct.
- Registration: If your application is approved, the Land Registry legally registers your property. You are then issued with a Registration Certificate which serves as a legal proof of the identity of the land.
- Updates and Amendments: The Land Registry may ask you to update records if there is any change to be made to the land property.
Benefits of Land Registration
Land registration is beneficial to both landlords and society:
- Legal protection: Legal rights of the land owner remain on the registered land. If any other person claims the land, you can file a complaint with the Land Registry Department.
- Transparency and Security: Land Registry provides clarity about land ownership and interests, protecting you from fraud and misunderstanding.
- Simplified Transactions: Easily accessible official documents facilitate purchase, sale or mortgage of registered land.