Quick answer
Property records in England and Wales are held by HM Land Registry. For many registered properties, the Title Register is the main document used to check ownership and legal title information, while the Title Plan shows the property's location and general boundaries.
Official registry
HM Land Registry covers England and Wales. GOV.UK explains that people can search for property information in England or Wales and download copies of the property summary, title register and title plan where available.
Official source: https://www.gov.uk/search-property-information-land-registry
Title Register
The Title Register can usually show the title number, who owns the property, whether the property is freehold or leasehold, registered charges such as mortgages, and rights or restrictions affecting the title.
Official source: https://www.gov.uk/get-information-about-property-and-land/search-the-register
Title Plan
The Title Plan shows the property's location and general boundaries. It is useful for identifying the registered title on a map, but it normally does not prove the exact legal boundary line.
Official source: https://www.gov.uk/get-information-about-property-and-land/search-the-register
Title deeds and filed documents
Customers often use the term title deeds when they want the main registered title documents for a property. For registered property in England and Wales, this usually means the Title Register and Title Plan. Some titles may also refer to filed documents such as transfers, leases or charges.
When these records are useful
- Checking who owns a house, flat, commercial unit or parcel of land
- Confirming whether a property is freehold or leasehold
- Reviewing registered mortgages, charges, rights or restrictions
- Looking at the general extent of registered land on a plan
- Preparing for a sale, purchase, probate matter or boundary query
Important limitations
Downloaded online copies may be useful for information checks, but GOV.UK explains that they cannot be used as proof of ownership. Where proof of ownership is required, official copies may be needed.
Official source: https://www.gov.uk/search-property-information-land-registry
Independent service note
LandRegistries.com is independent and is not HM Land Registry, GOV.UK or any government department. Customers may also be able to order documents directly from HM Land Registry.