Whether you’re looking to purchase a property or land, or you’re involved in a commercial property dispute, you may want to find out who the owner of the property is to understand more about the building’s situation.
In this blog, we’ll explore a few ways you can find out who the owner of a commercial property is.
How to find the owner of a commercial property
Research the property
Accurate property research begins with confirming the exact address and building size, especially when considering a commercial purchase. Resources like HM Land Registry provide valuable public records to support informed decision-making.
Looking for the owner
HM Land Registry can be used to identify the current legal owner of a commerical property. The register will also show details of any mortgages, leases or restrictions that affect the property. These records are the most reliable way to confirm ownership, as they are updated whenever a new transaction is registered.
What is the Title Register?
A Title Register is a report with detailed data about a property or piece of land. This could include information like:
- The Title Number.
- The property or landowner.
- Information regarding easements relating to the property.
- Mortgage information such as the lender's name and address.
Accessing the Title Register
To access the Title Register, you will need to purchase it through HM Land Registry. To do this, you will need to:
- Visit the HM Land Registry portal via GOV.UK and select ‘Search for land and property information’.
- Enter the postcode for the property.
- Click ‘View available documents’ once you have found the property you are looking for.
- Create an account to access the documents. The Title Register and the Title Plan will be available for purchase at £7 online.
Obtaining professional help
To make the process of finding the owner of a commercial property easier, you could obtain the help of a professional. At Legal Clarity, our Commercial Property Solicitors can help you with this.
Reasons for wanting to know who the owner of a commercial property is
There are a number of reasons a person may want to know who the owner of a commercial property is:
- They’re considering purchasing the property - Buyers usually want to gather key details, such as the property’s sale history and number of previous owners, to make an informed decision and evaluate any potential risks associated with the purchase.
- They’re interested in the history of the property - Passersby or prospective buyers may take an interest in a property simply by observing it - perhaps wondering what it last sold for or who currently owns it. Understanding a property’s history can offer valuable insight into its value and potential.
- Neighbours have concerns about the property - Nearby residents may have noticed structural issues, boundary irregularities, or other matters that raise concern. In such cases, knowing who owns the property enables them to address these concerns appropriately or seek clarification.
- A legal dispute is in progress - Ownership details are often critical in legal proceedings, particularly in cases involving boundary disagreements or rights of access. Accurate information from the Land Registry can help clarify responsibilities and support resolution.
If you’re looking to buy or sell a property, or you require legal advice regarding a commercial property dispute, our team of Commercial Property Solicitors are here to help. Get in touch with us today to see how we can support you.