Home/ Land Registration

Need some expert advice? Don't have the answer?

We'll do our best to find a solution that works for you

What is land registration?

Land registration is the process of recording ownership of land or property with HM Land Registry. Once registered, your title is guaranteed by the state and stored electronically - making it easier to prove ownership, protect against fraud, and manage your estate.

We can help with

Registering your property after completion
We’ll submit the application and send you the official Title Information Document confirming your ownership.
Voluntary first registration
If your land or property is currently unregistered, we can help you register it voluntarily - unlocking a range of benefits.
Reconstructing title where deeds are missing
We’ll guide you through the process of proving ownership and applying for possessory title if your original deeds have been lost or destroyed.

Benefits of first registration

Your title is guaranteed by HM Land Registry
Protection against property fraud
No risk of losing paper deeds - everything is stored digitally
Easier to sell or transfer your property in the future
Helps resolve any unknown title issues early
Supports better estate planning and record keeping
25% discount on Land Registry fees for voluntary registration

What if the deeds are missing?

If your deeds are lost, we’ll help you:

Provide a Statement of Truth
Explaining how and when the deeds were lost, with supporting evidence.
Reconstruct the title
Using any available copies, solicitor records, or mortgage documents. We’ll also gather evidence of your possession (e.g. utility bills, plans, or surveys).
Prove your identity
As part of the application process.

In most cases, the Land Registry will grant a possessory title, which can be upgraded to absolute title after 12 years. If you plan to sell before then, we can arrange an indemnity policy to protect the buyer.

Why Choose Porter Dodson?

Specialist advice on all aspects of land registration

Support with complex cases, including missing deeds

Joined-up service with our private client and property teams

Offices across Somerset, Devon and Dorset, with remote support available nationwide

I am absolutely delighted with the service I received from Hannah Richards at Porter Dodson regarding with the sale of my property. Extremely informative from the very start. Providing updates along the way and responding to enquiries very quickly and efficiently. As with all sales it can be quite stressful especially at the last hurdle, but Hannah's reassurance and friendly and professional manner kept me calm throughout the process. I would highly recommend Hannah and will certainly be in touch with my next purchase. Well done Hannah!

Debbie

Reena Raval is well known as the most knowledgeable and experienced conveyancing solicitor in the South West. That reputation, in our experience, is fully justified. Reena grasped all the issues and negotiated, on our behalf, with ‘the other side’. Reena is kind, efficient and experienced. My wife and I are very, very grateful and recommend her without hesitation.

Nicholas

I had excellent and efficient service from Jen and Hannah.

Jodie

Consistently high level professional competence on a routine legal matter effectively delivered by Louise Wootton.

Tony