Land Registry Plans: Understanding Property Boundaries

When buying at auction, it’s essential to know exactly what you’re bidding on. Land Registry documents help you do just that. In England and Wales, two key documents define a property’s legal identity: the title register and the title plan.

What Is a Title Register?

The title register is a written document that includes:

Title Number: A unique reference for the property.

Ownership Details: Names of legal owners, tenure (freehold or leasehold), and last sale price.

Charges: Mortgages or secured loans recorded against the property.

Rights and Restrictions: Rights of way, covenants, and easements affecting the property.

What Is a Title Plan?

The title plan is a map that shows the outline of the property.

Red Edging: Indicates the general boundaries of the land.

Map Base: Based on Ordnance Survey mapping, usually at a 1:1250 scale.

Boundary Type: Shows general boundaries, not pinpoint accurate legal lines.

Context: Should always be read alongside the register to understand rights of way or shared access.

How to Access and Use These Documents

Obtaining: You can download them for a small fee from the HM Land Registry website.

Purpose: Crucial for due diligence before buying or selling, and for resolving boundary disputes.

Limitations: Boundaries are approximate and may not reflect physical changes like fences or extensions.

Leasehold Properties: The title plan might only show the building’s outline. The lease document will define the internal boundaries of a flat or apartment.

Takeaway: Always review both the title register and title plan before bidding at auction. They help clarify what you’re buying, what rights come with it, and whether there are any restrictions or shared areas to be aware of.