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How to Search for Property Information
You do not need to be the registered owner of a property or land in England and Wales to get information about it (e.g. a copy of the deeds).
This section explains how to find out who owns a property or land, how much they actually paid for it, and how far the boundaries extend.
Information Available at HM Land Registry
Important details that you can get about properties and land includes:
- Title register (e.g. the legally registered owner and what rights of way exist).
- Title number (this is a unique number given to individual properties and plots of land).
- Title plan (the exact location and how far the general boundaries extend).
Note: A guide explaining how to get information about registered property and land is also available in Welsh language (Cael gwybodaeth am eiddo a thir).
Searching the Online Register
HM Land Registry stores details about most property types and land sold since 1993 in England or Wales. Thus, you can find information about the title register, the title plan, title summary, and the flood risk indicator.
You can use the address or the location to search for property information from HM Land Registry (HMLR). You can also search the index map if you are unable to find the property (e.g. if someone filed it under the wrong address).
The Title Register
A search of the title register will produce details about properties and land in a Portable Document Format (PDF), including:
- The unique title number.
- Who owns it and the amount they paid for it (where available).
- Rights of way.
- Whether a mortgage has been 'discharged' (paid off).
The Title Summary
You can view a title summary online to find information about the unique title number, along with further details about:
- The tenure of a property (e.g. freehold or leasehold.
- Who owns it and the amount they paid for it.
- The name and address of the lender (if a mortgage still exists on the property).
Note: You can get extra information about leasehold properties in the actual lease agreement (e.g. the contract that outlines the terms).
The Title Plan
A title plan is a map that shows:
- The location of the property or land.
- General boundaries (another section contains a guide to property boundaries in further detail).
The Flood Risk Indicator
Information provided on the flood risk indicator shows details about the likelihood of flooding (e.g. from extreme rainfall). Hence, the data comes from HM Land Registry and the Environment Agency (EA).
Buying Copies of the Information
Despite being able to download standard copies online, you would not be able to use them for 'official' proof of ownership. Instead, you would need to order official copies for this purpose (e.g. for use in a court case).
Use the 'official copies of register or plan: registration OCI'. You should allow one week to receive the copies.
Fill in the application for official copies of documents and then send it with the correct fee to the HM Land Registry address.
HM Land Registry
Citizen Centre
PO Box 74
Gloucester
GL14 9BB
Rights Over Adjoining Land
In some cases, the title register will provide some details about certain rights over adjoining land and property boundaries. The section on applying for a copy of the deeds contains more information (see below).
How to Get Historical Title Registers
It may be possible to find out who owned a property before the current owner - using the historical title register. It's also useful for determining the exact age of properties.
Thus, you can ask HM Land Registry to perform a search about who owned the property for either a specific date or for multiple dates.
Properties Registered Before 1993
When you contact HM Land Registry (HMLR) they will need to know the title number or address of the property along with the date (or multiple dates) for your particular application.
Properties Registered Since 1993
Use 'historical register/title plan: registration (HC1)' to search for properties registered after 1993. Fill in form HC1 and then send it with the current fee to HM Land Registry.
Searching the Index Map
Information about all registered properties and land, or those in the process of being registered, with HM Land Registry can be found on the index map.
Typical reasons for properties not appearing in a normal search of the register include those with:
- An incorrect spelling of the address.
- Boundaries that have changed since it was first registered.
Hence, the main reason for using the index map is to find the title number of a property that fails to show up in a search of the register.
Even so, it is not possible to perform a search of the index map yourself. Instead, you should try to provide the address of the land or property, or:
- An Ordnance Survey map reference.
- A plan clearly identifying the land or the property.
The next step is to download the 'index map: application for an official search (SIM)'. Fill in the application form and then send it to the HM Land Registry address.
Once you get the search results (e.g. the title number or numbers, and whether it is unregistered) from HM Land Registry, you will be able to search the register. You can expect the results of a search in less than a full working week.
Searching the Index Map to Apply for Home Rights
In this case, you would need to write 'This search is being made solely for the purposes of the Family Law Act 1996' at the top of the application form.
Requesting a Copy of the Deeds
As a general rule, you can find the current details (as well as some past information) about a registered property (e.g. previous owners in the deeds). However, the original paper deeds are not stored at HM Land Registry.
To get a copy of the deeds you will need to:
- Determine whether the land or property is already registered (by searching at HM Land Registry).
- Pay the current fee to download a copy of the title register. Note that any deeds marked 'filed' will be a scanned copy.
- Complete the deeds request form (official copies of documents: registration (OC2)) using the title number of the property (e.g. obtained from the title register). Send the completed form to the usual HMLR address.
Note: Unless HM Land Registry holds a scanned copy of the deeds the search is unlikely to return any results at all. Businesses can apply for HM Land Registry Business e-services (e.g. to manage multiple searches and then download more than one copy).
How to Search for Property Prices
The master section explains how to search sold property prices in England or Wales and how to check property price trends in the United Kingdom. You can also correct information about the sale price (e.g. if you determine incorrect records).
Related Help Guides
Search for Information about Property and Land in United Kingdom