Guide

What Are Rights of Way on a Property?

Rights of way are rights allowing access over land. Where recorded, they may appear in the Title Register or related title documents.

Quick answer

Rights of way are rights allowing access over land. Where recorded, they may appear in the Title Register or related title documents.

Short answer

A right of way is a right allowing someone to pass over land, such as using a path, driveway or access route. Where recorded, rights of way may appear in the Title Register or related title documents.

Official source: https://www.gov.uk/get-information-about-property-and-land/search-the-register

Which document may show rights of way?

For England and Wales, GOV.UK says the title register may include rights of way and other rights affecting land. The Title Plan can help identify the land being discussed, but the written register is usually the starting point.

Official source: https://www.gov.uk/search-property-information-land-registry

Why rights of way matter

Rights of way can affect access, shared driveways, paths, rear access, private roads and neighbouring land use. The wording can be legal and may need professional interpretation.

What to order

Start with the Title Register. If you need to understand the general land extent or compare nearby land, order the Title Plan as well.

Independent service note

LandRegistries.com provides document ordering and general information, not legal advice about rights or disputes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Title Register show rights of way?

It can show rights of way where they are recorded against the title.

Does the Title Plan show where a right of way runs?

Sometimes the plan can help with context, but the written Title Register and any filed documents are usually more important for the right itself.

Can I rely on a title document for a dispute?

Title documents can help, but legal advice may be needed if the right of way is disputed or unclear.

Related pages

Property Guides

A central guide hub for property ownership, boundaries, title documents and regional property record systems across England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Title Register

A Title Register is a Land Registry title record that can show key ownership and legal title information for a registered property.

Title Register vs Title Plan

A Title Register contains written ownership and legal title information, while a Title Plan shows the general extent of the registered property.

Sources Used