Skip to main content

Unregistered property

Many properties in England and Wales are registered at HM Land Registry, but some are not. Here at Winston Solicitors, we can deal with the conveyancing of both registered and unregistered properties, whether you are buying or selling.

How to sell an unregistered property?

  • You will need to let us know where the unregistered deeds are. If the property is in mortgage, they should be with the lender. If the property is not in mortgage, the deeds may be with another firm of solicitors/conveyancers.
  • If you do not know where the deeds are, you will need to find out who last held them. If they were held by a firm of solicitors/conveyancers, we can write to that firm to see whether they still hold the deeds.
  • If the deeds cannot be found, we can obtain copies of any documents from the archives to the former West Riding Deeds Registry. This process can be costly.
  • We will forward copies of the relevant deeds to your buyer’s solicitors/conveyancers with the draft contract and other papers.
  • Your buyer’s solicitors/conveyancers will check the title and will raise any relevant queries.

If you are buying an unregistered property

  • We will check the title documents supplied by your seller’s solicitors/conveyancers and will raise any relevant queries.
  • If any documents are missing, we will asking for missing information indemnity insurance.
  • We will register your title at HM Land Registry after completion.

Are there extra costs when dealing with unregistered properties?

The Land Registry fee for “first registrations” is twice as much as their fee for dealing with registered titles. The Land Registry normally takes longer to complete “first registration” applications than applications relating to titles that are already registered.

There is more legal work involved in selling or buying an unregistered property. We charge a supplement to reflect this.

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) could be payable depending on the purchase price. See our Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) calculator for a guide to this.

With all property transactions it is important to have a will to reflect your wishes. 

Client feedback

My son recently purchased a property. I had used Winston Solicitors for many years and had no hesitation in recommending them to him. Their service is outstanding; very professional yet friendly and approachable. Samantha is awesome. She always does a thorough job. Paulo, her assistant, has been an absolute pleasure to deal with as well. So a huge thumbs up and many thanks all around! - October 2025
J Thompson, Manchester
This was a stressful (and as it was a property purchase caused by divorce), very emotional. Samantha and Paulo were always very kind and patient. - October 2025
Dawn B, London
I recently used Winston Solicitors for the purchase of my first home and was extremely impressed with the service. My solicitor, Leasa, along with her assistant, Julie, were outstanding throughout the process—thorough, accommodating, and always patient in explaining each step clearly. They made what could have been a stressful experience feel smooth and manageable, always going above and beyond to support me. I truly appreciated their professionalism and personal approach, and I would not hesitate to recommend Winston Solicitors to anyone - I cannot thank you all enough. - September 2025
A Woods, Ryton
Professional & thorough throughout conveyancing process. Efficient communication & timely updates from Amr & Joe. Would not hesitate to use their services again. Highly recommend. - September 2025 
Elizabeth M, Leeds
Thank you so much! Communication and staff have been amazing!! Special thanks to Leasa and Julie. Will definitely recommend to others and use again in the future! - September 2025
J Coates, Newcastle
Winston Solicitors have been amazing especially Sidraa Razaq and Tom Mcilroy, both have worked hard to get my sale of property over the line and are a credit to the company. - September 2025
N Khan, Bury
I would highly recommend Winston’s Solicitors. Leasa and her whole team were very responsive with great communication throughout. I felt very supported throughout the transaction. Leasa is very proactive and extremely efficient. Will definitely use their services again.
Michaella
The service we have received with Winston Solicitors has been absolutely brilliant.Leasa Foster and the whole team were very professional annd incredibly efficient, everything was processed so quickly and smoothly. They made what could have been a stressful experience feel easy and straightforward. We couldn’t be happier with their service and will definitely be recommending them to anyone buying or selling a home.
William
Contact Leasa