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Since 2002, it has been mandatory for land and property to undergo First Registration at certain ‘trigger’ events. A Solicitor will need to send the first registration application to HM Land Registry lodging the original property Deeds and Documents along with a Compliant Plan. Land Registry should then return the original documents to you once scanned in for their records. In this article, Andrew Tucker, Graduate Surveyor, discusses when first registration is required, why it matters, the benefits, and support available.
When First Registration is Required
First Registration is triggered by the following compulsory first registration dates/events:
These events require a compliant Land Registry plan, which is then held by HM Land Registry and can be easily accessed by solicitors and other professionals when required. As a result, the majority of agricultural property is now registered, although not all.
Why Registration Matters for Agricultural Land
The importance of First Registration has become more apparent on a number of farms in recent years, particularly following changes to future Inheritance Tax reliefs introduced by the Government. These changes have prompted many land and business owners to review their estate planning arrangements, including some who had not previously needed to register land.
Benefits of First Registration for Succession and Estate Planning
Succession planning and other legal processes, such as the administration of wills, can benefit significantly from prior registration of land, allowing these processes to proceed more quickly and efficiently, saving both time and cost. In addition, a compliant Land Registry plan can provide a greater degree of certainty regarding legal title, alongside other recognised boundary indicators. This can help to reduce the risk of disputes and miscommunication.
Professional Support
If you are unsure whether your farm, land, or property is registered, or want to find out more about First Registration, please contact Stags Professional Services on 01884 235701 or reach out to your local Stags office.
