The Advantages of Voluntary Registration

The Advantages of Voluntary Registration

If the title deeds to your home are currently unregistered, then you may like to consider the many advantages of applying for voluntary first registration of your title at the Land Registry (whether or not you are thinking of selling).

These benefits include having a state-backed registration giving greater title security and also providing protection against the possibility of losing your land due to a claim for adverse possession. When you sell your home, or apply for a mortgage, it is also favourable if your title is already registered.  This is because you will already have a register setting out the rights that benefit your land and the matters which affect your land.  You will also have a Land Registry filed plan showing the extent of your title, which is useful for marketing purposes.

Since 1 December 1988, unregistered land in the West Devon Borough Council area that has been bought for value or mortgaged for the first time has been subject to compulsory registration at the Land Registry. For such land in the Teignbridge District Council area, the relevant date was 1 February 1978.

If your title is not registered, then your only proof of ownership is the collection of unregistered title deeds and searches, which can often be mislaid or destroyed.

Philip Horlock, Solicitor at Gilbert Stephens says “I encourage owners of unregistered titles to apply for voluntary registration. Registered title holders enjoy greater protection from claims for adverse possession and if they decide to sell, the conveyancing process is generally faster and more certain”.

For more information on this subject or on buying and selling property, please contact Philip Horlock on 01837 51 21 00.

For more information on this subject or on buying and selling property, please contact ">Philip Horlock on 01837 51 21 00.