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Are House Deeds Still Needed? The Modern Homeowner’s Perspective



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 documents are considered the official proof of ownership no paper deeds are required for registered properties.

Are House Deeds Still Needed?

  • For Registered Homes: If your property is registered, digital records are all you need to prove ownership or sell the home. Buyers, sellers, mortgage lenders, and solicitors now use these official electronic documents rather than paper deeds.


  • For Older or Unregistered Properties: If your property has never been registered (which is very rare), then old paper deeds remain vital. These prove your ownership until you formally register the property with HM Land Registry.

Most modern property transactions in the UK do not require physical house deeds. If you own a newer property or one that’s changed hands since the 1990s, you are almost certainly already registered, so digital documents are all you need.​

Should You Still Keep Old Deeds?

While you don’t need them to prove legal ownership, original deeds may include:

  • Historic details about boundaries or previous agreements not copied into the register

  • Insight into the property's history or past ownership

  • Useful reference material if there are disputes about property lines

It’s a good idea to keep old deeds in a safe place for informational purposes, even if you don’t legally need them anymore.​

How Do You Get Your House Deeds Today?

Getting official property documents is easy. You can use trusted online services, such as Land Registry Online, to request:

  • Title Register

  • Title Plan

  • Historic documents or flood risk reports

You simply select the documents you need, complete a short form, and receive digital copies by email no need for original paperwork.​

The Modern Homeowner’s Perspective

Today’s digital property registration means peace of mind for homeowners:

  • Digital records are secure, accessible, and nearly impossible to lose or damage

  • No need to keep track of fragile old documents

  • Proof of ownership is just a few clicks away

If you own a registered property, you no longer need paper deeds for sales or legal matters. For most, requesting an official Title Register and Title Plan is the best way to confirm and document ownership.


We are an independent supplier of conveyancing searches and are not owned by nor affiliated with the UK Government or HM Land Registry.

If you need help accessing your digital house deeds, Land Registry Online provides a simple, secure service for homeowners and property professionals across the UK.
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