Transfer unregistered land or property to the beneficiary after the death of a sole owner
Documents you need to send
You can transfer an unregistered property of a sole owner to the beneficiary by completing:
- Application form FR1, guidance on how to complete this form together with other helpful information can be found in Practice guide 1: first registrations.
- form AS1, guidance on how to complete this form can be found on our website. There is also a "Youtube" video that may assist you. If beneficiaries are buying others out, then our form TR1 is required in place of form AS1 (see also below for additional requirement).
- 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.
And send a certified copy of one of the below:
- a grant of probate
- letters of administration
- a court order
Personal representative, or beneficiary (if different), is purchasing the property or buying out a share of another beneficiary for value
If a personal representative or beneficiary is purchasing the property, or a share of another beneficiary for value (rather than assenting to themselves as beneficiary or transferring to themselves to hold as trustee(s)), you will need to show that the transaction is for market value and is authorised either under the terms of the will, or under an order of the court, or with the consent of all beneficiaries of full age and capacity who are absolutely entitled. A conveyancer’s certificate is the normal evidence for this. If a conveyancer’s certificate cannot be obtained, any alternative evidence supplied will be assessed on its own merits.
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.
More information can be found in Practice guide 6: devolution on the death of a registered proprietor.
How much does it cost?
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 our fee calculator tool available on our fee order page. Cheques or postal orders are payable to HM Land Registry.
Where to send your application