How to Find Out Who Owns a Property?

Finding out who owns a property can feel like detective work, especially when the information isn’t immediately obvious or publicly posted. Whether you’re a prospective buyer researching a potential new home, an investor scouting off-market opportunities, or a neighbour curious about a neglected house, there are many reasons why someone might wish to seek out the owner of a property. 
 
Fortunately, there are a variety of search platforms and tools you can use to access title registers and local files to make the process far more accessible than it may seem. In this guide, we’ll break down the most reliable methods for identifying a property owner, explain what kind of information you can expect to find, and help you navigate the process efficiently, legally, and with confidence. 

When Would You Need to Know Who Owns a Property or Land? 

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  There are many reasons people seek property ownership information, and it often comes down to gaining clarity, making informed decisions, or resolving an issue. For example: 
   
  Prospective buyers or real estate investors - some people may want to contact an owner directly about a potential purchase, especially if the property isn’t actively listed for sale.
• Looking to address concerns - neighbours might be looking to address concerns such as overgrown yards, boundary questions, or shared access issues, particularly if the property is currently vacant, or is rented to a tenant.
• Questions and permissions - this might include cases such as business owners needing to know who controls a commercial space to inquire about leasing, collaboration, or expansion opportunities. Some people may want to contact the owner of a property for filming permission as well.
• Legal matters - some cases, like disputes, legal rights, or violations, require knowing exactly who holds title to a property, as it will play a vital role in court cases (this route will be slightly different, as an OC1 Form will need to be filled in).
• Researching local history - even individuals researching local or personal family history may look up ownership to get answers, satisfy their curiosity, and understand how an area has evolved over time.  

What Information is Public on Who Owns a Property? 

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  Not all information will be available to the public, such as addresses, phone numbers, and other private information, but what you can access online includes: 
   
  Property ownership details
• Latest prices paid for a property
• Property descriptions are shown on the register
• Restrictions or rights that exist on the land. 

Finding Out Who Owns a Property Online for Free 

If you want to find out who owns a property in England or Wales online, the easiest place to start is the HM Land Registry’s official service. By entering the property’s postcode, street name and town, or using the map-search option, you can access a property summary at no cost; however, it only offers limited information such as the owner's name and the price it sold for. 
 
While the free summary doesn’t always give full ownership details, it’s a useful first check, and from there, you can choose to pay a small fee to obtain the official title register or plan, which we will be discussing more about below. 

What is a Title Register? 

A title register is one of the most important documents when it comes to understanding who owns a property and what rights or obligations are attached to it. Essentially, it is the official record maintained by HM Land Registry that proves ownership of a property in England and Wales, which is available to purchase through the official government land and property registry website. 
 
The register provides a variety of key information, including; 

• The name(s) of the registered owner(s)
• The property’s exact address
• The property title number
• Whether it is freehold or leasehold
• Mortgage information
• Information regarding any easements affecting the property. 

How to Access a Title Register? 

1. 
   You can access a property’s title register in England and Wales directly through HM Land Registry, and the process is quick, simple, and open to the public. 
    
   Go to the HM Land Registry website to search for land and property information. This is the safest and most reliable place to access title registers. 
2. Search for the property by entering the property’s full address, postcode, or use the map search option to locate the correct property. 
3. From the search results, choose the property you want. Make sure it matches the address and other identifying details. Click on the property summary page, scroll down to the bottom, and click the ‘view available documents’ button. You will need to ‘create an account’ by entering your email address and setting a password before you can continue. 
4. From here, you can download a copy of the title register online for a small fee (currently £3). Payment can usually be made by debit or credit card. 
5. Once purchased, you’ll get an official copy in PDF format, which will show ownership details, property type, and any legal restrictions or charges. 
6. If you prefer not to use the online service, you can request a copy using form OC1 by post, though this method is slower and may cost more. 

It’s important to note that, if you need an official copy of this information for a court case, you should not follow the steps above. Instead, you should fill out an OC1 form and physically post it to the land registry office, which will come with a fee as well. 

Finding out Who Owns a Property Through Local Records 

If the property you’re trying to search for can’t be found through the land registry website, then there are other ways to find out who owns it. For example, you could try speaking to the residents to see if they know anything about the history of the property. If that doesn’t work, then you can try asking the local authorities, such as the county record offices, about any planning applications submitted, which often include ownership details.  
 
You may also be able to find previous property ownership on the electoral register. You can access the register by contacting your local electoral registration office online, or you can usually find them in libraries as well. 

What is The Difference Between a Title Registry and a Title Plan?

 
While a title register and a title plan are closely related, they serve different purposes in understanding property ownership. The title register is the official record that proves who owns a property and outlines key legal details, such as whether it is freehold or leasehold, any mortgages or charges, and rights or restrictions affecting the property.  
 
In contrast, the title plan is a map-based document that visually shows the property’s boundaries in relation to neighbouring land. It doesn’t provide ownership information or legal rights, but it helps identify the exact location and extent of the property, which can be crucial for resolving boundary disputes, planning applications, or construction projects. 

How to Find Out the Owner of a Property in Scotland or Northern Ireland? 

If you’re looking to find out who owns a property in Scotland or Northern Ireland, then the process will be a little different from the method for England and Wales. 
 
For Scotland - If a property is registered in Scotland, you can use the public service Registers of Scotland (RoS). Through RoS’s online portal, you can search the national land register to see whether a property appears, view recent sale prices, and identify who owns the property (or at least see the registered owner) after purchasing the title sheet. 
 
For Northern Ireland - In Northern Ireland, the responsible organisation is Land & Property Services (LPS). You can use the local Land Registry run by LPS to search by postal address or folio number to check if the property is registered. If you’re looking for the current owner of a property in Northern Ireland, you can pay a £5 fee to see a property portfolio, or you can pay a £7 fee to take an uncertified copy of that portfolio. 

Find Land and Properties in the UK with BTG Eddisons Property Auctions

Finding out who owns a property in the UK is easier than many people realise, thanks to the wide range of tools and official records available across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Whether you’re researching a potential investment, trying to resolve a boundary issue, hoping to contact a landlord, or simply curious about a local building, knowing where to look makes all the difference. 
 
If the reason you’re looking is because you’re interested in buying a property, here at BTG Eddisons Property Auctions, we are proud to offer a wide range of properties and land across the UK to help buyers find the perfect property for their needs. Browse our upcoming auctions to find your perfect property or contact us directly for expert advice and guidance on buying at auction.