In this guide
Use HM Land Registry
For property in England and Wales, the property information service provides title information. A property can have more than one title, so make sure you identify the relevant freehold title.
| Fictional register entry | What to look for |
|---|---|
| A: Property register | Description of the land and relevant rights; check it matches your home. |
| B: Proprietorship register | Registered owner and address for service. |
| C: Charges register | Registered charges and relevant covenants or restrictions requiring review. |
A managing agent may not own the freehold
The business collecting payments can act for someone else. Your lease, correspondence and title information help distinguish the roles.
Intermediate interests need closer review
An intermediate landlord may sit between you and the freeholder. Do not assume buying one interest removes every other interest.
Your questions, answered
Can I use an online copy to prove ownership?
An ordinary downloaded register is not an official copy for proof of ownership. Follow HM Land Registry guidance for official copies.
What if the owner’s details are unclear?
Flag this before an approach. Ownership and the authority to sell need to be established.