How to Get the Deeds of My House (UK Guide 2025)

To obtain the deeds for your house in the UK, you need to request a copy from the HM Land Registry. Most properties are registered, and you can download your title information online. If your deeds are missing, outdated, or need updating due to gifting, divorce, inheritance, or name changes, Property Swift can help you manage the whole process securely and digitally.

Introduction: What "House Deeds" Actually Mean in 2025

Many homeowners search for "how to get the deeds of my house" when they need proof of ownership, want to update their records, or are preparing for a property transfer. But in modern UK property law, deeds work differently than most people assume.

In 2025, your property ownership will not be proven by an old paper deed. Instead, it is confirmed by HM Land Registry's digital title record — the official and legally recognised document that shows:

• Who owns the property
• What restrictions or charges exist
• Whether the property is freehold or leasehold
• The legal boundaries and registered title number

That said, many people still need:

• A copy of their digital title
• A copy of past deeds
• Help updating the title
• Support where ownership needs to be transferred

This guide explains everything clearly — and shows where Property Swift can support you in completing the process quickly and securely.

Do You Actually Need "Deeds" — or Your Digital Title?

Most properties in England and Wales are now registered with HM Land Registry. When a property is bought, gifted, inherited, or transferred, the Registry creates and updates the digital title record.

You may need your deeds or title information for:

• Selling the property
• Transferring ownership
• Gifting the home to a child or spouse
• Updating names after divorce
• Removing a joint owner
• Inheritance matters
• Applying for loans
• Personal record-keeping

In the modern system:

The digital title = your proof of ownership

If you need historical deeds (for boundary clarification or past rights), they can also be accessed, but they are not proof of current legal ownership unless the land is unregistered.

How to Get the Deeds of Your House in the UK

1️⃣ Determine whether your property is registered

Most properties are registered. If so, your current "deeds" exist as a digital title with HM Land Registry.

2️⃣ Access the digital title online

You can download the title summary and title plan directly from HM Land Registry's online service. These show:

• Current legal owner
• Registered lenders
• Restrictions on the title
• Date of registration
• Title number
• Boundaries

3️⃣ If your property is unregistered

This is rare. You may need to locate old paper deeds or complete a first registration.

Property Swift can manage the entire digital registration process, ensuring all documents comply with HM Land Registry requirements.

4️⃣ If the deeds need updating

If your title reflects an old name, past ownership, or outdated details, you may need:

• A transfer of ownership
• A gift transfer
• A divorce-related name removal
• An update after inheritance
• A correction or amendment

Property Swift specialises in these updates and handles:

✔ Drafting required paperwork

✔ Digital identity checks

✔ Preparing compliant documentation

✔ Submission to HM Land Registry

✔ Full case tracking

Why Your Deeds May Need Updating

Deeds become inaccurate when:

• A joint owner passes away
• Spouses separate or divorce
• A parent gifts a house to a child
• A property is inherited
• The title contains outdated personal information
• The principal owner changes their legal name

In any of these, simply downloading your deeds isn't enough — you must legally update them.

Property Swift provides a secure digital process for all such changes.

How Property Swift Helps When You Need Your Deeds Updated

Many homeowners discover that retrieving the deeds is easy — but updating them is complex. This is where Property Swift is most useful.

We support:

✔ Transfer of ownership to a family member

Including gifting a house to children, spouse, or relatives.

✔ Removal of a name from the deeds

For separation, divorce, or restructuring ownership.

✔ Updating deeds after the death of an owner

Including surviving owner updates.

✔ Correcting outdated information

Such as name changes.

✔ Estate planning transfers

Helping parents structure future inheritance properly.

Everything is handled securely online — including document uploads and ID checks — and fully compliant with HM Land Registry.

Signs You Need More Than Just "Getting the Deeds

You should seek support if:

• The property is jointly owned, and you want sole ownership
• You're transferring the property as a gift
• You are removing a previous partner's name
• You inherited the property and need legal updates
• The current deeds do not match your personal documents
• There is a lender involved
• There are restrictions registered against the title

In 2025, property transfers require accurate digital paperwork, identity verification, and HM Land Registry submission — all areas where Property Swift fully supports you.

How Long Does It Take to Get House Deeds?

Getting the digital title is instant.

Updating the deeds depends on:

• The type of ownership change
• HM Land Registry processing times
• Whether identity verification is needed
• The accuracy of the information provided

The Property Swift digital process significantly speeds up the preparation stage.

Common Questions About Getting House Deeds

Do I need the original paper deeds?

No — the digital title is the legal proof of ownership for registered properties.

Can I get deeds for a property that has been owned for 40+ years?

Yes — even ancient properties are usually registered. If not, Property Swift can help with the first registration.

Can I update the deeds myself?

For simple information checks, yes.

For ownership changes or name removals, professional support is strongly recommended due to legal requirements for accuracy.

Are my deeds stored online permanently?

Yes — HM Land Registry maintains the official record.

I can't find my deeds — does it matter?

Not for registered properties. The Registry's digital record is what counts.

Final Thoughts

Getting the deeds to your house is simple—but ensuring they are correct, up to date, and legally compliant is essential, especially when ownership needs to change.

Whether you're gifting a home, removing a name, updating after a bereavement, or preparing paperwork for future planning, Property Swift provides a secure, digital-first way to complete the process confidently.

Need your deeds updated or ownership transferred?

Start your Transfer with Property Swift today.