Title Check Search

Before purchasing a house, you should always get a property checker carried out. Inspecting the legal title is an essential step in the conveyancing process, as it ensures your purchase is risk free and your investment is protected.

What is a title check on property?

A title check, also known as a title checker conveyancing search allows for a buyer to get a snapshot of a property before they commit to making an offer. It offers information about the ownership, a check if property is freehold or leasehold as well as detailed information about its use and any potential risks.

It leaves you to interpret the information yourself and then decide whether the property is worth buying, or if you might put in a lower offer. It can be used for properties in England and Wales.

Key findings in a title checker search

Names of the legal owners Check freehold or leasehold Grade of Title - absolute, possessory, etc. First registration date Ownership details including cautions, existing charges, multiple titles, notices, restrictions, (if leasehold) lease term and leasehold information Use of property including easements, provisions, restrictive covenants, rent charges, third party interests Flood risk ChancelCheck risk (liability for the upkeep of the local church) Guidance on effects to the mortgage from the CML Lender's Handbook Draft indemnity policies for defects in the title Land Registry Office Copy (online title deeds) Download Example

The TitleChecker inspects the Mortgage Lenders Handbook Parts 1 and 2 so if there is a mortgage lender's charge registered over the title it can confirm what issues will be flagged in the title that'll impact a specific mortgage lender.

TitleChecker offers a summarised result for each of the above sections, itemised clearly at the top of the report. The overview analysis of each component is listed below. Where the report requires attention or is critical, a more detailed analysis with actions to consider are provided.

What are the Pros and Cons of Title Checker?

Pros

Cons

Pros Speed - you can get a quick snapshot of a property's title on the same day (often within minutes). Save time with defective titles - find out if the property has a defect today, instead of weeks down the line after you have instructed solicitors and paid for property searches. Budget for the indemnities - with the draft indemnity policies you can budget for these costs if you proceed with the purchase - you may even be able to get the seller to pay for them. Reduce your purchase price -armed with the knowledge of what the seller bought for and the issues with the legal title you can negotiate the best price with the seller. Highlights mortgage lender issues - find out what parts of the legal title are going to be a sticking point for your mortgage lender.

Cons Misinterpretation - you might not understand the information in the report. This might lead to you deciding  to buy a property which has a defect or deciding not to and missing out on what could prove to be a worthwhile purchase. Can't ask questions - the report presents information, however, you might still need a solicitor to provide answers to questions arising. It doesn't include everything - you are still advised to buy conveyancing searches (such as the local authority and drainage) and a structural survey.

Does TitleChecker replace the conveyancing solicitor?

While a Title Check Report can provide a snapshot of the legal title, highlighting issues and offering indemnity solutions, it won't replace a conveyancing solicitor during the transaction. A conveyancing solicitor will review the Land Registry Title (often called the title deeds) and not only tell you about the defects but also work toward fixing any issues they find.

In the case of a mortgage purchase, you'll also need a conveyancing lawyer to act on behalf of your mortgage lender and to receive and send the money to the seller's solicitor.

What is clear though, is that if you quickly want some great inside knowledge about the property you are buying, should you be buying at auction, for example, then a Title Checker Search can help.

Title Checker Search	Pre-Auction Report
Title Checker Search Short on time? Get a report that inspects the property title today. Flags restrictive covenants Easy to read Shows charges (mortgages) Cheap so can get for multiple properties Delivered within 24 hours (normally within the hour) £66 INC VAT Sent normally within hours of instruction Order Title Checker	Pre-Auction Report Need a solicitor to do the legal work for you? Fast completions Fixed Fees On all lender panels Specialist auction solicitor Rated Excellent on Trustpilot £299 INC VAT for freeholds or £480 INC VAT for leasehold Freehold Auction Report  Leasehold Auction Report