Transfer unregistered land or property to a third party after the death of a sole owner


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.

Our bereavement leaflet provides important information for you to consider when dealing with property when someone dies.

Documents you need to send

The buyer or their solicitor will normally make this application and pay any fees.

If you want to submit this application, you'll need to complete:

  • form FR1 - First registration: application

  • form TR1 - Registered title(s): whole transfer there is also a "YouTube" video on completion of TR1 which may assist you.

  • form DL - Document list

  • Evidence of identity (please see below)

And send a certified copy of evidence of death. This can be either:

  • a grant of probate

  • letters of administration

  • a court order

To certify that a copy of a document is a true copy of the original please write: “I certify this to be a true copy of the original dated…… signed (in wet ink)……Name printed)……………. Address…………….date………….” on the face of the copied document.

You must not certify a copy of a document to be a true copy of the original, if you know that this is untrue. If you dishonestly give information or make a statement that you know is untrue or misleading, you may commit the offence of fraud under section 1 of the Fraud Act 2006 for which you may be prosecuted.

The YouTube video How to certify a document for HM Land Registry may assist you.


You'll also need to send the original title deeds for the property.

Find out more about registering land or property with HM Land Registry for the first time

Verifying your identity

Evidence of Identity is usually required for all parties to the transaction unless they are represented by a conveyancer. See Practice guide 67: evidence of identity for more information and the options available to you. 

Find out more about Devolution on the death of a registered proprietor.

How much it costs

The fee is based on the value of the transaction under scale 1 of our Registration services fees.

Where to send your application

HM Land Registry address for applications.