What is the Title Deed of my property?

The procedure of buying a house can bring with it lots of complicated processes and documentation, so it can be confusing to get your head around what’s what.

We explain what a Title Deed is, what information is included within it, and when you might need it. 

What is a Title Deed?

Title Deeds are documents which contain specific information about a property.

They used to be physical papers, but now most have also been converted into electronic format as part of the Title Register - an official record managed by the Land Registry.

What is the Land Registry?

The Land Registry is a department within government which files information about all properties in England and Wales. They register and maintain records in one big database – including more than 26.5 million properties – called the Land Register.  

The Land Register’s primary job is to evidence ownership of all property, but it also contains other bits of information about properties.  

Customers can view their Title Register and request Title Deeds online through the Land Registry portal.

What is included in a Title Deed?

Within a Title Deed, you’ll find the following:

• Title number - every registered property has a unique number
• The address of the property
• Who the registered owner(s) are
• The amount paid for it
• Who the lender was - if the buyer(s) borrowed to purchase the property

When would I need a Title Deed?

Uses for a Title Deed include:

• When buying or selling a property to prove ownership
• Divorce proceedings
• Boundary disputes
• When dealing with probate (after an owner has passed away)

Even if you don’t move house, you may need to contact the Land Registry to update the details on your Title Deed if they change. If you get married or divorced, for example, and your name changes, you’ll need to update this with the Land Registry.

You’ll also need to contact them if your mortgage completes, i.e. if you finish paying it off.

How much does a Title Deed cost?

You can order a Title Deed (or copy) from your Title Register using the below options:

1. A downloadable version - £3
2. Certificate requested by post - £7
3. An official copy for court - £11

Hopefully this has helped clear up some of the questions around what a Title Deed is and its use. For more information, to change the details on your Title Register or to register a property, you can get in touch with the Land Registry.