Title deeds meaning

    Title deeds are the documents that prove ownership of a property and record the rights and restrictions attached to it. For registered land in England, the official record is held electronically by HM Land Registry, and copies of the title register and title plan can be obtained for a small fee.

    Title deeds 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.

    What your conveyancer checks

    They confirm the seller owns what they are selling, check the boundaries on the title plan, and report on covenants, easements and any charges such as a mortgage that must be removed on completion.

    Key takeaway

    Title deeds are the documents that prove ownership of a property and record the rights and restrictions attached to it. For registered land in England, the official record is held electronically by HM Land Registry, and copies of the title register and title plan can be obtained for a small fee.

    Frequently asked questions

    Where are my title deeds kept?

    For registered property in England the definitive record is held by HM Land Registry. Historic paper deeds may still exist but the register is what matters legally.

    Notes log

    Record what your conveyancer tells you about the title so you can refer back to it later.

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    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