Short answer
To check who owns registered land, order the Title Register for the land or property title. If you also need to understand the general area included in the title, order the Title Plan as well.
Official source: https://www.gov.uk/get-information-about-property-and-land/search-the-register
Key points
- Best document for owner details: Title Register
- Best document for general land extent: Title Plan
- Best combined option: Title Deeds, which includes the Title Register and Title Plan for one registered property where available
- Useful search details: postcode, address, land description, nearby address or title number
- Start an order: https://landregistries.com/checkout
How land ownership searches differ from house searches
Land can be harder to identify than a house or flat because it may not have a normal postal address. A field, strip of land, garage, accessway or garden land may be recorded under a title number, a nearby address, or a larger registered title.
Step 1: Identify the land as clearly as possible
Use any information you have, such as a nearby address, postcode, title number, road name, plan reference or description of the land. The more precise the property details are, the easier it is to identify the correct title.
Step 2: Order the Title Register
The Title Register is the document most likely to show who owns the registered land. It can include the registered proprietor details, title number, tenure and legal notes affecting the title.
Step 3: Use the Title Plan to check the general extent
The Title Plan can help you understand the general area included in a registered title. It should be read with the Title Register and does not normally define exact legal boundary lines.
Official source: https://www.gov.uk/your-property-boundaries
Common reasons to check land ownership
People often search land ownership when dealing with access questions, boundary concerns, abandoned land, neighbouring land, private roads, garages, ransom strips, development opportunities or uncertainty about who maintains an area.
Important limitations
Some land may be unregistered or difficult to match from a description alone. A Title Plan shows general boundaries, not a measured survey. If the issue involves legal rights, disputes or development, you may need professional advice.
Order land ownership documents
If you want to check who owns land, start your property document order at https://landregistries.com/checkout. For land searches, the Title Register is usually the first document to order, and the Title Plan is often useful as a second document.
Independent service note
LandRegistries.com is an independent service and is not affiliated with HM Land Registry, GOV.UK, Registers of Scotland, Land & Property Services Northern Ireland or any government department.