Preparing for a Land Registry application

Preparing a Land Registry application can be a complex and technical process if you are not familiar with the field, particularly when dealing with lease plans, boundary changes or first-time registrations.

Understanding what HM Land Registry requires is essential to avoid costly delays and ensure a successful outcome for all parties.

In this guide, we outline what the Land Registry does, key steps in applying to the Land Registry, and we explain how professional support can help you meet compliance standards with confidence.

HM Land Registry is responsible for maintaining the official record of land and property ownership across England and Wales. Its primary role is to:

• Define legal boundaries using title plans based on Ordnance Survey mapping, providing clarity for owners, developers and leaseholders
• Register transactions regarding ownership, including first registrations, leases over seven years, lease extensions, transfers, mortgages and boundary changes
• Ensure compliance by checking that all submitted plans meet detailed Land Registry standards. Inaccurate or non-compliant plans are likely to be rejected or delayed through requisitions
• Protect ownership rights and facilitates efficient property transactions by maintaining accurate, legally binding records, the Land Registry protects

HM Land Registry offers several routes for access and support:

• Official guidance: Detailed advice is available through GOV.UK, outlining requirements for lease plans and title drawings. Most applications can be started online via the GOV.UK forms portal too, covering registrations, transfers, leases and more.
• Through a professional practitioner: Our strong working relationships with HM Land Registry mean that we can provide you with the knowledge to expedite your communications with the Registry or speak with them directly for more in-depth insight into your inquiry.

Submitting a successful Land Registry application requires careful preparation and attention to detail. The key steps include:

1. Select the appropriate form: determine the correct application type, like first registration, lease, or boundary amendment, and complete the relevant GOV.UK form.
2. Prepare compliant plans: all submitted plans must meet strict Land Registry requirements:
   •    Drawn to recognised scales (e.g., 1:1250, 1:500 for site layouts; 1:100 or 1:200 for internal floor plans)
   •    Red edging to define the extent of ownership or demise
   •    Colour coding for rights of way or shared access
   •    Clearly marked north point and orientation
   •    Based on an up-to-date Ordnance Survey base
3. Submit documents and signatures: provide a clear, high-resolution PDF or printed plans and ensure all parties sign where required, particularly for leases and transfers.
4. Pay the application fee: submit the full application to HM Land Registry. For urgent transactions, an accelerated request can be made.

Professional input can prevent delays and reduce the risk of rejected applications. At Eddisons, our Architectural Design team can support clients with fully compliant, professionally prepared Land Registry plans.

Turnaround times vary from a few weeks for straightforward online applications to several months for complex lease plans or title registrations. Early engagement with a qualified professional can help streamline the process and ensure your submission is accepted the first time.

We produce accurate plans aligned with Land Registry standards, ensuring correct scaling, red boundary demarcation, and valid OS mapping.
Our expertise reduces the likelihood of common errors including:

• Inaccurate boundary lines
• Incorrect or missing scales
• Hand-drawn or low-resolution plans
• Missing orientation or outdated references

We can assist in reviewing and correcting requisitioned applications, updating plans, and guiding resubmissions. In more complex cases, we also liaise with legal teams where amendments to the register are needed after the submission.

Our team is here to support your Land Registry application. We have many years of experience and a proven track record, so contact us using the form below or call 0800 051 2593 to get started.