LAND REGISTRY LAUNCHES INTERNET SERVICE
(31 January 2005)

The UK Land Registry’s first internet service for the general public, providing easy access to details of more than 19 million properties in England and Wales, was launched on 31 January 2005. On visiting the site, www.landregisteronline.gov.uk users enter the address details of the property that they wish to view, complete payment details and then download the documents in PDF Format. Each individual download costs £2.00 payable with a credit or debit card. With most registrations made since April 2000 the price paid is also recorded so users can now find out market value for homes in their area easily and cheaply.

Peter Collis, Chief Land Registrar and Chief Executive of Land Registry said: “The Land Register is a public database and as part of Land Registry’s strategy we are committed to ensuring that it is accessible to everyone. The pilot has been enthusiastically received and we look forward to the site becoming the starting point for every member of the public who is interested in the property market.

“Land Register Online will improve the transparency of buying or selling property and land in England and Wales; it is an integral part of Land Registry’s aim to make property transactions easier for all.”

David Lammy, Constitutional Affairs Minister, congratulated Land Registry on the launch saying: “For some years, Land Registry has provided an online service for conveyancers or property professionals. In the true spirit of its vision, Land Registry has now added to this by designing an online service for anyone to use – all that is required is access to the internet and a credit card."

Land Registry’s extensive records include the title register (showing legal ownership, rights or interests and mortgages) and a title plan (showing the land owned) for each registered property. On most registrations made since April 2000 the price paid is also recorded. A property enquiry can be made daily between 7am and midnight Monday-Saturday. Telephone support is available on 0870 010 318.

The event was also attended by Andrew Stott, Deputy CIO and Head of Service Transformation at the e-Government Unit, Cabinet Office.

ABOUT THE LAND REGISTRY

With the world’s largest property database, Land Registry underpins the economy by guaranteeing ownership of many billions of pounds worth of property. Around £1 million worth of property is processed every minute in England and Wales. As a government department established in 1862, executive agency and trading fund responsible to the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor, Land Registry keeps and maintains the Land Register for England and Wales. There are 24 offices in England and Wales, each providing land registration services for different counties and unitary authorities. The Land Register has been an open document since 1990.

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