The Land Registry is a government agency in the United Kingdom responsible for maintaining a public register of information about land and property ownership. The Land Registry was established in 1862 and is now part of the government's HM Land Registry department.
The Land Registry maintains a comprehensive database of information about properties in England and Wales, including details about who owns a property, the size and boundaries of a property, and any restrictions or rights affecting the property. This information is made available to the public, and anyone can access it by paying a fee.
The Land Registry also deals with the registration of changes to the ownership of properties, including the transfer of ownership when a property is sold, as well as the registration of mortgages, leases, and other rights and interests affecting properties.
The purpose of the Land Registry is to provide a reliable and accurate record of property ownership and other information related to properties, which helps to protect the rights of property owners and to facilitate the buying and selling of property. By having a publicly accessible and accurate record of property ownership, the Land Registry helps to prevent disputes and fraud related to property ownership.
In summary, the Land Registry is a key part of the property market in the United Kingdom, providing an accurate and reliable record of property ownership and other information related to properties, and helping to protect the rights of property owners.