What happens if title deeds are lost?
You may apply for first registration of land if the title deeds have been lost or destroyed. Many of these applications relate to situations where the deeds (or some of them) have been lost or destroyed while in the custody of (or in the post from) a conveyancer, bank or building society.
Does the mortgage company hold the title deeds?
The title deeds to a property with a mortgage are usually kept by the mortgage lender. They will only be given to you once the mortgage has been paid in full. But, you can request copies of the deeds at any time.
Can you sell your house if you have lost the deeds?
It’s possible to sell or remortgage a house without the deeds, but you must prove you own the property to do so. If deeds have been lost or destroyed, the first port of call is to check whether the property is registered with the Land Registry.
Can I get replacement house deeds?
This is usually the solicitor or conveyancer acting on behalf of the buyer. So, if you’re trying to track down your original deeds, they could be with the solicitor who acted for you when you bought the property, or possibly with your mortgage company if you have a mortgage. You can then get a copy of your deeds.
Does the Land Registry hold copies of deeds?
HM Land Registry records are digital, so we don’t store paper title deeds. Generally, we only have the original title deeds when land or property is registered for the first time, as we need them to prepare the register. If the register refers to deeds being filed, we should have copies.
Can a house be sold if the deed has been lost?
The house sale may become an issue of both probate and power of attorney in cases where an owner has died, and their spouse or partner are unable to live in the property independently. If deeds have been lost or destroyed, the first port of call is to check whether the property is registered with the Land Registry.
What to do if title deeds can not be found?
The Land Registry adds: On initial inspection, the property appears not to be registered, which means no application for registration has been lodged with us. Where the title deeds cannot be found, an application for first registration of the property can be made using a Statutory Declaration or Statement of Truth.
Do you get your deeds back when you pay your mortgage?
Your Mortgagee is not entitled to hold them any longer, and will almost always return them to you after receiving your final payment. But where the property is registered there are no ownership documents or Deeds to return as they are held electronically by the Land Registry on their computers, and they do not automatically send you a copy.
Can a land charge search be lodged on a lost deed?
Land charges searches should be lodged on lost deed applications in the same way as any other first registration application.
