HM Land Registry meaning

    HM Land Registry is the government body that records ownership of land and property in England and Wales. After completion, your conveyancer applies to register you as the new owner. Registration can take time, and the register is the definitive record of ownership, boundaries and charges.

    HM Land Registry is one of the terms you are likely to meet when buying or selling a home in England. Here is what it means in plain English, and where it fits into your move.

    After completion

    Registration is handled by your conveyancer and happens in the background. You will receive confirmation, sometimes months later, and it is worth keeping with your completion statement.

    Key takeaway

    HM Land Registry is the government body that records ownership of land and property in England and Wales. After completion, your conveyancer applies to register you as the new owner. Registration can take time, and the register is the definitive record of ownership, boundaries and charges.

    Frequently asked questions

    Can anyone look up who owns a property?

    Yes. Copies of the title register and title plan for registered property in England can be obtained from HM Land Registry for a small fee.

    PDF record of your move

    MyMoveMate can produce a PDF record of your move to keep alongside your completion paperwork.

    14-day free trial, then a single one-off payment of £49 for the whole move. It is not a recurring subscription.

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    Related reading

    Written and reviewed by the MyMoveMate team. Published 2026-08-11, last reviewed 2026-08-11. MyMoveMate is operated by PM Product Solutions Limited (company number 17155942).

    Coverage: Residential property moves in England only. MyMoveMate is an organisational tool. It is not an estate agent, conveyancer, surveyor, mortgage adviser or solicitor, and it does not give legal, tax or financial advice.

    This page is general information about moving home in England, not legal, tax or financial advice. Timings are typical rather than guaranteed. Speak to your conveyancer, estate agent or mortgage adviser about your own move.

    Sources