Title register structure — three parts and what each contains
Every registered HMLR title contains three distinct sections: (1) Property Register — describes the property and appurtenant rights (easements; rights of way; benefit of covenants); freehold or leasehold; referred to by title number and title plan. (2) Proprietorship Register — current owner(s); class of title; restrictions on powers of disposal; price paid. (3) Charges Register — registered charges (mortgages); restrictive covenants binding the estate; other encumbrances.
- Property Register: describes the land by reference to title plan; identifies freehold or leasehold estate; notes appurtenant rights (easements; rights of way) benefiting the property
- Proprietorship Register: current registered owner(s) name and address; class of title; price paid (public since April 2000 for freehold); restrictions controlling disposal powers
- Charges Register: registered mortgages and charges in priority order; restrictive covenants (text or reference to OC2 document); other encumbrances (notices; estate contracts; leases noted)
- Official copies: OC1 — full register copy (£7; public; Gov.uk HMLR portal); OC2 — specific document referred to in register (£7; e.g., transfer deed containing covenants)
Class of title, restrictions, and priority notices for landlords
Class of title: absolute is the strongest (HMLR verified) and most common; possessory (adverse possession or lost deeds — prior title risk; insure); good leasehold (leasehold verified but freehold not — lender upgrade usually required); qualified (specific defect — rare). Restrictions in the Proprietorship Register control disposal: Form A (co-ownership — sole survivor cannot register disposal without court order or second trustee); Form CH2 (mortgagee consent required before disposal registered at HMLR). Priority Notice (Form K1): 30 business day priority window protecting a buyer's transaction after exchange.
- Title absolute: HMLR satisfied of title free from unregistered encumbrances except overriding interests — most secure class; required by most institutional lenders
- Possessory title: risk that a third party with prior title could claim the land; title defect indemnity insurance required for purchase or lending; can upgrade to absolute after 12 years
- Good leasehold title: leasehold investigated but superior freehold not — mortgage lenders often require upgrade to absolute leasehold before lending
- Form A restriction: standard for joint owners; prevents sole surviving proprietor registering a disposal without court order or second trustee — protects beneficial owners under a trust