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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

Porter Dodson Yeovil - Bryony and Rosie have been absolutely brilliant in helping my partner and me purchase our first home. They were always quick to respond, kept us informed throughout the process, and took the time to answer any questions we had. Buying a first home can be quite daunting, but their professionalism, knowledge, and support made the whole experience much smoother and less stressful. We are incredibly grateful for all their help and would highly recommend them to anyone looking to buy or sell a property.

Kate

Reena Ravel was recommended to me and I was delighted to follow up the recommendation. Reena, and her paralegal Beckie, kept me informed throughout. Documentation and the necessary checks were made in advance so that once an offer was accepted all was prepared. I asked for a prompt exchange/completion on selling a property and this was duly achieved with minimal involvement on my part.

Executors

I had a fantastic experience working with Jenny & Emma in Wellington during the purchase of my first property. From start to finish, they were incredibly supportive, professional, and always on hand to guide me through the process. As a first-time buyer, I expected things to feel quite overwhelming at times, but their clear communication and reassurance made the whole process feel seamless. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again in the future. I’d absolutely recommend them to anyone going through a property purchase.

Nikkie