House deeds used to be essential for proving property ownership, but today, most homeowners rely on digital records held by HM Land Registry. Modern property registration in the UK means that your ownership details, boundaries, and legal rights are securely stored online in digital form, making old paper deeds largely unnecessary for most transactions. What Are House Deeds? House deeds are legal documents that historically confirmed property ownership, described boundaries, listed owners (past and present), and included details about mortgages and restrictions. Older deeds were handwritten or typed, often signed, and stamped, then stored safely with the owner, solicitor, or lender. How Has Property Registration Changed? Since the 1990s, HM Land Registry has gradually moved UK property records online. Now, nearly all homes are registered digitally. Their key records are the Title Register (listing the owner, rights, and any mortgages) and the Title Plan (showing boundaries). These doc...
Buying or owning property in the UK often involves complex legal documents that define the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved. One of the most important yet frequently misunderstood of these is the Deed of Covenant . Whether you’re purchasing a leasehold flat, maintaining shared access to a private road, or upholding community property rules, understanding this document is essential to protecting your interests and ensuring smooth property ownership. What Is a Deed of Covenant? A Deed of Covenant is a legally binding agreement between two parties, often used in property law to outline certain obligations, restrictions, or promises related to land or property. In simple terms, it’s a document that ensures one party agrees to perform (or refrain from performing) specific actions for the benefit of another. Covenants can relate to a wide range of responsibilities, such as: Maintaining shared areas like gardens, driveways, or private roads. Paying service charges or contri...