If you ever need to prove you own your home - whether you're selling, remortgaging, or handling legal matters - having the right documents is crucial. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to check your ownership status, what documents you need, and what to do if you’ve lost your title deeds.
When do you need to prove you own your house?
There are several situations where you may need to prove legal ownership of your property. Having the right documents ready can save time and prevent delays.
Selling your property: Before a sale can go through, buyers and solicitors will need to verify ownership and check for any restrictions or covenants attached to the property. Having your title deeds or title register ready can speed up the process.
Remortgaging: Lenders often require proof of ownership before approving a remortgage, equity release, or secured loan against the property. Without it, you may face delays or difficulty securing financing.
Resolving a legal dispute: If there’s a boundary dispute, inheritance issue, or claim of ownership, official documents like the title register or title deeds can help establish your legal rights and avoid costly legal battles.
Making changes to your property: For certain renovations, planning applications, or land subdivisions, you may need to prove ownership before the local authority or planning department approves your request.
Transferring ownership: If you’re gifting a property, adding a co-owner, or transferring ownership due to divorce or inheritance, you’ll need to provide official proof of ownership to update the Land Registry records.
How do I know if I own my house?
If you’ve bought a property, you should have received official documents confirming your ownership. But where this information is stored depends on whether your home is registered with HM Land Registry. Since 1990, all registered properties in England and Wales have had their ownership records stored digitally by the Land Registry. Here’s how to check:
✅ If your home is registered – The Land Registry has an official record, and you can request proof of ownership online.
❌ If your home isn’t registered – You may need physical title deeds to confirm ownership. These are usually held by a solicitor, mortgage lender, or previous owner.
💡Editor's insight: "The Land Register holds records for over 26.5 million properties, covering 89% of the land in England and Wales. This means most properties are officially registered, making it easier to prove ownership, check boundaries, and access key property details."
What are title deeds?
Title deeds are the official record of who owns a property - but they’re more than just one piece of paper. They’re a collection of documents that prove ownership and show the history of who has owned the property over time. The legal proprietor (or owner) is usually named in the title documents. Title documents may include:
Contracts of sale: The original transfer of ownership from a previous owner.
Conveyancing records: Legal paperwork that confirms how the property was acquired.
Mortgage details: If the property was purchased with a loan, the lender may hold the deeds until the mortgage is repaid.
💡Editor’s insight: “In rare cases, if your home was purchased before Land Registry registration became compulsory, these documents might still be held by your title deed solicitor or mortgage lender instead of being digitally recorded.”
How to check if your property is registered
Not sure if your property is registered with HM Land Registry? Here’s how to find out:
Use the HM Land Registry online search tool: You can check the register online to see if your property is listed. If it is, your ownership details are stored digitally.
Request a copy of the title register: For a small fee, you can get an official document confirming ownership, including details of any mortgages, rights, or restrictions on the property.
Ask your solicitor or mortgage lender: If you have a mortgage, your lender or property solicitor may already have confirmation of registration. If the property isn’t registered, they may also hold the original title deeds.
How to prove home ownership in the UK
If you need to prove that you own a property, there are several ways to do it. Whether you’re selling your home, applying for a mortgage, or resolving a legal issue, having the right paperwork is key. Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to prove home ownership in the UK.
Documents that prove home ownership
The strongest proof of ownership comes from HM Land Registry, but other supporting documents can also help:
Title register (Land Registry): The official record of ownership for registered properties.
Title plan: A map showing the property’s boundaries, available from HM Land Registry.
Mortgage statement: If you have a mortgage, your lender’s statement confirms financial responsibility.
Conveyancing documents: If the property isn’t registered, you may need sale contracts and deeds from previous transactions.
Council tax and utility bills: While not legal proof of ownership, these help support your claim.
Where to get them: You can order copies of the title register and title plan online through HM Land Registry for a small fee.
Can you prove ownership without your house deeds?
Yes! If your property is registered with HM Land Registry, the Title Register is your official proof of ownership - no physical deeds needed. You can easily request a copy from HM Land Registry to confirm your ownership. However, if your property isn’t registered, you’ll likely need to track down the original title deeds to prove ownership.
Lost Your Title Deeds? Here’s What to Do:
If you can’t find your deeds, don’t panic - there are ways to recover them:
✅ Check with your solicitor, mortgage lender, or bank: If you had a mortgage when buying your home, the lender may have held onto the deeds until the loan was fully repaid. Your solicitor or bank may also have a copy.
✅ Apply for First Registration: If the property isn’t already registered with HM Land Registry, you’ll need to apply for First Registration using a Statement of Truth. This helps establish your legal ownership, even if the original deeds are lost.
Recap: What is clear evidence you own your home?
If you need to prove you own a home, the best documents to use are:
Title register (Land Registry): The strongest, most official proof of ownership.
Title deeds: Only relevant if the property is not registered with the Land Registry.
Mortgage statements: Supporting evidence for properties bought with a mortgage.
Solicitor records: Legal documentation from the original purchase.
How can you prove that the land is yours?
If you need to prove ownership of a plot of land, follow these steps:
Check HM Land Registry to see if the land is registered.
Obtain title deeds if the land is unregistered.
Gather historical purchase or lease agreements.
Provide council tax records if applicable.
Submit witness statements if land has been in use for a long period.
FAQ
Can I get a copy of my title deeds online?
Yes. If your property is registered, you can order a copy of the title register from HM Land Registry for a small fee.
Do I need title deeds to sell my house?
Not necessarily. If your property is registered, the Title Register from HM Land Registry is enough to prove ownership.
What if my property is unregistered?
You’ll need to provide other proof of ownership, such as old sale contracts, mortgage records, or conveyancing documents.
How do I check if my house is registered?
You can search for your property online using HM Land Registry and purchase a copy of the title register to confirm ownership.
Final thoughts
Proving home ownership is straightforward for registered properties, as HM Land Registry maintains digital records. However, for unregistered properties, title deeds and other supporting documents may be necessary. If you are unsure about your ownership status, checking with HM Land Registry or seeking legal advice can provide clarity and peace of mind.