The Land Charges Register
This is a separate HM Land Registry system for protecting certain interests affecting unregistered land. It is not the Local Land Charges Register and does not itself tell you who owns the property.
Land Charges searches for unregistered land are made against the names of relevant estate owners. A registered title is organised around a title number. The search method matters.
What interests can appear?
Certain security interests where the lender does not hold the title deeds.
These can include a contract to buy land, an option to purchase or a right of first refusal.
Some promises restricting land use are protected here when the land is unregistered.
The statutory classes include some equitable easements and home rights. The category depends on the interest and its date.
Why search previous owners?
An entry may have been registered against the name of an earlier estate owner. A conveyancer checks the chain of title and searches the relevant names and ownership periods. A simple search against the present seller alone may miss an interest protected against an earlier owner.
The register records the claimed interest, not proof that the underlying document is valid. HM Land Registry’s guide also explains that failing to register some interests can have serious consequences for their enforceability against certain purchasers. Both points need case-specific advice.
Is this where every mortgage goes?
No. Mortgages over registered land are dealt with on the registered title. HM Land Registry also explains that a first mortgage of unregistered land is generally not entered in the Land Charges Register, because the first mortgagee holds the title deeds as security.
First establish registration status
If the property is registered, start with the title register. If it is unregistered, the deeds and name-based Land Charges searches become central.
Source notes
This guide explains the position in England and Wales in plain language. Follow the official source for the full rules and current service arrangements.