Property Deeds Explained: Quick Guide for UK Homebuyers

So you’ve found a house you like – congratulations! Before you celebrate, there’s one piece of paperwork you can’t skip: the property deed. It’s the official record that says the house belongs to you (or whoever the seller listed). Getting it right saves headaches later.

What a Property Deed Actually Is

A property deed is a legal document that proves ownership of land or a building. In the UK it’s recorded at the HM Land Registry, and it shows whether the place is freehold (you own the land outright) or leasehold (you own the building for a set number of years). The deed also lists any mortgages, rights of way, or easements that affect the property.

Why does this matter? Because the deed is the evidence a bank, a buyer, or a court will look at when they need to know who has the right to sell, rent, or change the property. It also tells you if there are hidden restrictions – like a shared driveway that you can’t block.

How to Get, Check and Keep Your Deed Safe

Getting a copy is easier than many think. Once the sale is complete, your solicitor will request the title register from the Land Registry. You’ll get a digital PDF that includes the deed, the title number, and any notes. The cost is usually around £3‑£10, but your solicitor may cover it.

When you receive it, double‑check a few things:

• Is the address spelled exactly as it appears on your contract?
• Does the ownership name match your name (or the names of all buyers)?
• Are any mortgages listed that you weren’t expecting?
• Are the boundary lines correct? Look at the map on the register.

If anything looks off, call your solicitor right away. It’s cheaper to fix a typo now than to fight a dispute later.

After you’re sure it’s correct, store it in two places: a secure physical folder (fire‑proof if possible) and a cloud backup. Many people forget to update the deed after home improvements that affect boundaries; a quick update with the Land Registry keeps everything current.

Finally, treat the deed like a passport for your home. Whenever you sell, refinance, or let the property, you’ll need to produce it. Being organized now means smoother transactions down the road.

Got questions about down payments, shared ownership, or how a property deed ties into your mortgage? Check out our other guides – they walk you through each step without the jargon.

Bottom line: a property deed is the proof of ownership, the map of restrictions, and the key to any future deal. Get it, check it, and keep it safe, and you’ll avoid a lot of unnecessary stress.