Buying guide · 9 min read
Land Registry title check: how to read the register and title plan
A title register can identify the registered owner, tenure and recorded rights, charges or restrictions. The title plan shows the registered title's general extent. Read them together—and know which questions still need a conveyancer.
Last verified 10 September 2026 against the official publications listed below.
On this page
What does a Land Registry title check show?
For registered land in England and Wales, the title register is commonly divided into Property, Proprietorship and Charges registers. Together they describe the registered land, name the registered proprietor, state the class of title and record relevant rights, restrictions, charges and notices.
Bring the address together with sold-price, EPC, flood, planning, council-tax and other available official records.
Start a property record check →The three parts of a title register
| Section | Commonly contains | Look for |
|---|---|---|
| A: Property | Description of the land and rights benefiting it | Extent, rights of way and filed plan references |
| B: Proprietorship | Registered owner, title class and restrictions on disposal | Names, registration date and restrictions |
| C: Charges | Mortgages, covenants and rights burdening the land | Lender charges, restrictive covenants and notices |
What the title plan does—and does not—prove
HM Land Registry explains that title plans generally show the extent of registered land, usually with red edging, under the general boundaries rule. The plan normally does not determine the exact legal boundary line on the ground.
- Compare the register's property description with the plan.
- Check whether any coloured markings are explained in the register.
- Do not measure a legal boundary from the plan's line thickness.
- Use deeds, physical evidence and professional advice for a boundary dispute.
Online copy or official copy?
The public GOV.UK property-information service can provide a property summary, title register and title plan. HM Land Registry also provides official copies through its formal processes. Choose the document type required for your legal or evidential purpose.
Entries that deserve a closer look
- A restriction affecting whether a transfer can be registered
- A registered charge that should be discharged on completion
- Rights of way, access, parking or service-media rights
- Restrictive covenants limiting use or alterations
- A mismatch between the property on the ground and the registered extent
- Leasehold title details that must be read with the lease
A recorded entry is not automatically a defect. Its wording, date and supporting document matter. Your conveyancer should interpret anything affecting the proposed purchase, mortgage or use.
In summary
- Read the register and plan together.
- A plan normally shows general, not exact, boundaries.
- Restrictions and covenants need context, not automated assumptions.
- Use a conveyancer for legal interpretation.
People also ask
Does the title register prove who owns a property?
It identifies the registered proprietor of registered land. Some ownership interests or recent changes can require further legal investigation.
Does the red line show the exact boundary?
Usually not. HM Land Registry title plans generally show general boundaries rather than the exact legal line.
Can I check a property I do not own?
Yes. GOV.UK says its search service can provide information about property in England or Wales even if you do not own it.
Is a title check a replacement for conveyancing searches?
No. Local authority, drainage, environmental and other searches answer different questions.
Now calculate it
Use HomeCheck to organise available official property evidence and clearly identify anything unavailable or requiring specialist review.
Check the wider property record →Official sources
Every figure in this guide is transcribed from these published pages. Always confirm against the source before filing or signing anything.
- Search for land and property information — GOV.UK
- How to read a title register — HM Land Registry
- How to read a title plan — HM Land Registry
Guidance only. mypropclear explains published rules and how they apply to figures you provide — it is not personalised tax or legal advice.
Common questions people asked after reading
Does the title register prove who owns a property?
It identifies the registered proprietor of registered land. Some ownership interests or recent changes can require further legal investigation.
Does the red line show the exact boundary?
Usually not. HM Land Registry title plans generally show general boundaries rather than the exact legal line.
Can I check a property I do not own?
Yes. GOV.UK says its search service can provide information about property in England or Wales even if you do not own it.
Is a title check a replacement for conveyancing searches?
No. Local authority, drainage, environmental and other searches answer different questions.
