Title deeds vs title register: what is the difference?
If you are unsure which property documents you need, you are not alone. Many customers use the term title deeds to describe all property paperwork, but in practice the most useful starting documents are often the title register and title plan, with older deeds or filed documents only needed in certain situations.
- ✓Understand the difference between title deeds, a title register and a title plan
- ✓Find out which document is usually needed for your question
- ✓Avoid ordering the wrong property search or pack
What do people mean by title deeds?
The phrase title deeds is often used as a general term for the documents connected to a property. People may use it to mean proof of ownership, legal paperwork, old conveyances, transfers, leases, plans or modern Land Registry documents.
In many modern cases, the main title information is held through the title register and title plan. Older deeds may still exist and may still matter, but they are not always required for a standard ownership enquiry.
Title deeds vs title register
Title Deeds
A broad term that can refer to historic or supporting legal documents connected to a property, such as conveyances, transfers, leases, deed plans, agreements or other filed paperwork.
These may contain useful extra detail, but they are not always needed for every search.
Title Register
The core modern title document for a registered property. It usually contains the registered owner’s name, title number, tenure information and various legal notes relating to the property.
For many customers, this is the most important document to order first.
What does a title plan do?
A title plan works alongside the title register. It shows the general extent of the registered title on a map and is often useful where you want to understand the rough shape and position of the property or land being referred to.
Many customers order the register and plan together, because one provides the written title information and the other helps show the mapped extent.
Which document do I need?
I want to know who owns a property
Usually start with the title register. You may also want the title plan to confirm the correct property or plot.
I want to see the extent of the land
The title plan is usually the key document, often ordered alongside the register.
I need older or supporting legal paperwork
You may need filed documents, historic deeds, leases, transfers or a fuller title deed pack where available.
I am looking into a boundary issue
A basic register and plan may help, but a more detailed pack or supporting deeds may be more suitable depending on the issue.
When are older deeds important?
Older deeds and filed documents can be especially useful where a customer is looking into boundary wording, historical rights, leases, transfers, maintenance obligations, access rights, restrictive covenants or older plans.
They can sometimes contain detail that does not appear fully on the title register alone. That said, not every property has additional documents available, and not every enquiry requires them.
Simple rule of thumb
Start with the title register if you want the core ownership details
This is often the best first document for most customers.
Add the title plan if you want the mapped extent
This helps you see the general area covered by the title.
Order deeds or a fuller pack if you need more detailed supporting information
This is more relevant for historical, boundary or document-heavy enquiries.
Frequently asked questions
Is a title register the same as title deeds?
Not exactly. A title register is one specific modern title document, while title deeds is a broader term that may refer to various property documents.
Do I always need old deeds?
No. For many standard ownership or title enquiries, the title register and title plan are enough to begin with.
Should I order the register and plan together?
In many cases, yes. They work well as a pair because one explains the title and the other shows the mapped extent.
What if I do not know which document I need?
Start with the question you are trying to answer. From there, it becomes easier to choose between a register, plan, land search or fuller deed pack.
Ready to choose the right document?
Start with the property document most suited to your question.