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So, you’ve got your keys and you’re wondering what happens next?

What is post completion:

Post completion refers to the period following completion where the buyer’s solicitor takes steps to legally finalise the transfer of the ownership of the property.  This includes submitting the Stamp Duty Land Tax return and arranging for the registration of the property at the Land Registry.

What is registration:

Registration is the process of officially recording ownership of the property at the Land Registry.  It is a legal requirement for property purchases to be registered at the Land Registry.  The ownership transfer may not be legally recognised if it has not been registered at the Land Registry.

Importance of Registration:

Proof of ownership – provides official confirmation that the buyer is the legitimate owner of the property.

Protection against fraud – protects the owner from potential future disputes or claims on the property.

Lender protection – registering a mortgage secures the lender’s interest in the property.

Reduces the risk of disputes – can help resolve boundary disputes and prevent future conflicts.

Consequences of non-registration:

If a property is not registered it can lead to significant difficulties including proving ownership, securing finance and selling the property in the future.

**If you need to sell/mortgage your property and it is not yet registered (not unusual for a newly build property – they are taking in excess of 2 years to register!) then please let us know. Land Registry will expedite an application where it being unregistered is causing financial hardship to the owner or affecting another transaction (i.e. a sale, or a mortgage)**