Land registration—classes of title


Published by a ½Û×ÓÊÓƵ Property expert
Practice notes

Land registration—classes of title


Published by a ½Û×ÓÊÓƵ Property expert

Practice notes
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This Practice Note covers the different classes of title which HM Land Registry can award, the circumstances in which each of the four titles (absolute, qualified, possessory or good leasehold) is awarded, the effect of registration with a particular class of title and when the class of title can be upgraded at HM Land Registry.

On first registration of an Estate in land, HM Land Registry will decide what class of title can be awarded based on the quality of title that they have found on examination of the title deeds and other evidence lodged at the time of first registration. The class of title awarded is then entered into the proprietorship register.

Both Freehold and leasehold estates can be registered with either:

  1. •

    absolute title

  2. •

    qualified title, or

  3. •

    possessory title

Leasehold estates can also be registered with:

  1. •

    good leasehold title

Absolute title

When is absolute title awarded?

Absolute title is awarded if HM Land Registry:

  1. •

    is satisfied that the title to the estate is such that a competent professional adviser would properly advise a

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Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom
Related legal acts:
Key definition:
Estate definition
What does Estate mean?

The means by which land is owned in England and Wales.

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