First Registrations: Property

First registration is the procedure by which an unregistered property is recorded at the Land Registry. This process involves transferring the details from the original property deeds into the electronic register at the Land Registry.

There are two categories of first registration: “compulsory” and “voluntary.” Compulsory first registration occurs when another application to the Land Registry triggers the registration of the property, such as during a sale or transfer to a new owner.

On the other hand, voluntary first registration takes place when a property owner chooses to register their property voluntarily.

To apply for the first registration of a property at the Land Registry, you must prepare and submit the property title deeds along with a registration application form. A fee is required for this service, calculated based on the property’s value in specified bands. If title deeds are absent or lost, it may still be possible to apply for first registration under certain circumstances, though this process can be more complex.

Compulsory registration is triggered by various transactions like property sales, but property owners can opt to register their property independently before such transactions, known as ‘voluntary first registration’. This approach offers several benefits, which will be discussed below.