Hi Michael - I am sorry to read of your loss.
To register land or property for the first time you will need to send us:
Application form in Form FR1.
Practice Guide 1: first registration contains guidance on how to complete the form, along with the different ways to transfer ownership of the property and other helpful information.
Form DL in duplicate, must always accompany form FR1. In panel 1, give the address or other description of the property. In panel 2, list, in order, all the documents lodged in support of the application (see rule 24(1)(d) of the Land Registration Rules 2003).
The original deeds and documents proving ownership for at least the last 15 years. If you do not have the original deeds and documents please refer to Practice Guide 2: first registration of title if deeds are lost or destroyed or Practice Guide 5: Adverse possession of (1) unregistered land and (2) registered land where a right to be registered was acquired before 13 October 2003.
You should also include certified copies of the death certificate and the evidence re change of name you refer to, for example marriage certificate?
And if the deceased changed their name post-purchase evidence to support that change and to match the death certificate will also be provided
Evidence of Identity is usually required for all parties to the transaction unless they are represented by a conveyancer. ID verification would be in the current name. See Practice guide 67: evidence of identity for more information and the options available to you. The main exceptions affecting applications sent by someone who is not a professional conveyancer where we do not need confirmation of identity for some, or all parties are:
- a lease or a charge which is merely being noted in the register
- voluntary applications for first registration unless the title deeds have been lost or destroyed
The relevant fee. Our fee order contains guidance on all our fees. First registrations may be voluntary or compulsory and the fees differ. To check which type yours is please refer to Practice Guide 1: first registrations. To work out what you need to pay for your application, you can use the fee calculator tool available on our fee order page. Cheques or postal orders are payable to HM Land Registry.
Our webinar for conveyancers, Common enquiries with first registrations (32 minutes) also contains some useful information and guidance.
Land registration is complex, designed to protect legal and financial interests in property. There can be significant consequences for any error. Please consider seeking legal representation. Before making an application without legal representation, it is important to consider the benefits of using a conveyancer.
Where to send your application:
HM Land Registry address for applications.
