HM Land Registry maintains an official register showing who owns a property, what mortgages or charges are secured against it, and where its boundaries lie. Each registered title is given a unique title number, and every transfer, mortgage or legal charge must be recorded there to take legal effect. The register is largely public, meaning anyone can search a title for a small fee.
In practice, once exchange of contracts and completion have taken place, the buyer's conveyancer submits an application to register the new owner. Until registration is complete, the buyer holds an equitable interest but not the full legal title. Registration fees are calculated on a sliding scale linked to the purchase price, and current figures should be confirmed on GOV.UK or with a qualified conveyancer.
Most property in England and Wales is already registered, but some older titles remain unregistered. When an unregistered property is sold or mortgaged for the first time, compulsory first registration is triggered. Buyers should ensure their solicitor lodges the registration application promptly after completion, as there are priority windows that protect the buyer's position in the interim.
For overseas investors, a completed Land Registry title provides internationally verifiable proof of legal ownership, which is essential for any future sale, remortgage or estate planning involving the property.