First Registration Solicitors in Crowborough, Haywards Heath and beyond

Whether you’re a homeowner or have inherited an estate, comprising of unregistered land or property, ensuring your legal title is officially recorded with the Land Registry is essential for protecting your interests.

At Claire Nash Solicitors, we provide clear, comprehensive legal support for individuals navigating the First Registration process, helping you avoid any future complications.

What is First Registration?

First Registration refers to the process of registering land or property with HM Land Registry for the first time. Properties that have not been bought, sold or mortgaged since the 1990s may still be unregistered, meaning their ownership is only documented in old-style paper title deeds.

By registering the property:

• You gain proof of legal ownership

• You reduce the risk of boundary or ownership disputes

• It becomes easier to sell, transfer or mortgage the property in the future

• Your interests are legally protected in case of loss or damage to original title documents

When is First Registration Required?

You’ll typically need to register a property for the first time if:

• You have inherited unregistered property

• You are applying for a voluntary registration to safeguard your interest

• You’ve received the property as a gift or via a trust
  

Our solicitors can advise on the process of First Registration, guiding you through every stage.

What’s involved in the First Registration process?

First Registration can be complex and document-heavy. The process typically includes:

Step 1:
Check whether the property is registered with the Land Registry.

Step 2:
Locate and provide to us your original title deeds. If you do not hold these, we can apply under another route depending on your circumstances.

Step 3:
We will review your title deeds. If there is not a clear title plan, we will arrange for a surveyor to produce a Land Registry compliant title plan.

Step 4:
We will complete the necessary application forms and submit to the Land Registry all relevant title deeds and documentation.

Step 5:
Once the Land Registry have reviewed and are satisfised with the title deeds and proof of ownership, they will register the property and provide us with an official property register and title plan (this is also held electronically).

The registration process can take 12 to 16 months for simple applications.
If the application involves lost deeds the process could take significantly longer.
Our team ensures your application is accurate, complete, and efficiently handled from start to finish.

Why choose Claire Nash Solicitors?

In Crowborough and Haywards Heath, we are the experts in first registration

Our experienced first registration solicitors and professionals

Claire Nash

Emma Santos

Alexadra Mosqueda