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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

We had to get a flat purchase in Exeter done very quickly. Nicola Hughes and her team at PD pulled out all the stops to get the purchase over the line in an amazing short time - 2 months from first viewing the flat to moving in! This was despite major complications with the Land Registry. Throughout the rather fraught (for us) process, Nicola was efficient, calm, reassuring and kept us well informed. Very highly recommended.

Steve

I have just sold a house and Porter Dodson were my choice of solicitors. I am so glad I chose this firm! Louise from the Poundbury branch was so helpful. All my enquiries were answered very promptly and clearly and I felt the whole sale was dealt with very professionally. I would not hesitate in recommending this company.

Ben

Used Porter Dodson for conveyancing on my first house and they were brilliant. All staff I came into contact with were supplying me with all the information and patience when I asked many questions. They provided me with regular updates, advice on process and best choices and gave clear guidance on competing the paperwork. Would absolutely recommend.

Daisy