Your title deeds
Title deeds are documents that show the ownership of a property. They will also include details about any mortgages on the property. Read on to learn more about title deeds with Lloyds.
Key takeaways
- Title deeds are important documents that show the ownership of property or land.
- The process of finding your title deeds can vary depending on where you live.
- Title deeds are not the same as a mortgage deed. A mortgage deed forms part of a contract between you and your lender that secures your loan against the property.
Title deeds are documents held by the Land Registry that show the current owner(s) and the history of property or land ownership. These deeds might also include other details linked to the property, such as mortgages and leases.
You’re unlikely to hold a physical copy of your title deeds as they’re usually stored digitally by HM Land Registry. Unregistered properties may still have physical deeds held by the owner, solicitor or lender.
Title deeds might include the following information:
- details of the property owner
- a description of the property, including a property plan and boundaries
- how much the property was sold for
- if the property has a mortgage
- the title number
- any restrictive covenants – promises not to do specific things with the land
- any easements – for example, rights of way over the land or rights for third parties to access the property for certain purposes
- maintenance obligations
- property rights and restrictions, such as access details
You will need your title deeds if you’re selling your home. This confirms you are the legal owner of the property. Your solicitor will send an official copy of your title deeds to the buyer’s solicitor.
If your property is unregistered with the Land Registry there’ll be paper deeds – if you don’t have them, your lender could have them if you have a mortgage.
If you’re buying a house, your conveyancer will apply to the Land Registry to transfer the title deeds to your name.
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In England and Wales, HM Land Registry usually holds the official record of ownership. Most homes are registered with HM Land Registry, and the title information is stored digitally. In these cases, there may be few or no original paper deeds.
Some older or unregistered properties may still have physical title deeds held by the owner, a solicitor, or occasionally a lender.
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A mortgage deed is a legal document that creates a legal charge over your property. It’s a contract between you and your lender confirming your promise to repay the loan and use your home as security. If you don’t keep up with your payments, the property could be repossessed.
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No. A mortgage deed is not the same as a title deed. Title deeds show current ownership of a property. You’re unlikely to hold a physical copy of your title deeds as they’re usually stored digitally by HM Land Registry.
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