Finding out who owns a property in the UK is easier than you might think. Gone are the days of filling out forms or visiting libraries for information. Now, you can do a simple online search to discover this information quickly and easily.
In this article, we'll help you find property ownership in the UK, so you can approach buying or selling a property with confidence.
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Why would you need to find out who owns a property or land?
There are many reasons why you might want to identify the owner of a property, such as:
To make an informed offer. Previous ownership information could impact your decision to make an offer on a property or how much you are willing to pay.
Local development projects. Understanding who owns a piece of land or property may offer key insights beneficial for housing developers.
What information is publicly available about who owns a property?
The Land Registry is the best place to start for property or land ownership information. They provide access to certain information about properties including:
Property ownership details;
Latest prices paid for a property;
Property descriptions shown on the register;
Restrictions or rights that exist on the land.
HM Land Registry offers two services for this:
How to find out who owns a property
Finding out who owns property through the Land Registry
To find out who owns a property, you can use the services provided by the UK Land Registry listed above.
You'll need to create an account on their website and provide your email address. You'll also need to pay a small fee to access the records, which is usually around £3.
To search for a property, you should have the address or postcode to hand.
Finding our who owns a property through local records
if the property you're interested in isn't listed on the Land Registry, there are other ways to find out who owns it.
Your first port of call might be to speak to residents who may have some awareness about its history.
If that doesn't work, you can ask the local authorities County Record Offices about any planning applications submitted, which often include ownership details.
You may also find previous property owners on the electoral register.
Whether you're considering purchasing a property, researching local development projects, or simply satisfying your curiosity, there are ways and means to find out who owns a property or land - the easiest being through the Land Registry.
If you're dealing with property matters and feel you may benefit from the help of a solicitor, our network of property lawyers is on hand to help you quickly and affordably.
Contact us today for expert guidance on property ownership matters.