Inside the Land Registry

What does the Land Registry Do?

The Land Registry is responsible for maintaining and developing a stable, effective and secure land registration system throughout England and Wales. It registers title to land and records dealings once land is registered.

There are a number of local offices throughout England and Wales, headed by a District Land Registrar, each responsible for specific administrative areas.

Why register land?

Once a piece of land is registered:

• legal title is guaranteed
• an accurate plan is provided
• there is an up-to-date and authoritative public record of ownership, rights, covenants and mortgages
• dealings can take place with confidence
• the risk of fraud is reduced
• simple forms replace complicated documents
• disputes can be resolved more easily
• repeated and lengthy examinations of the title deeds can be avoided.