Updating UK deeds and Land Charges Register after a name change

Updating registered land (HMLR AP1)

For land registered at HM Land Registry (most UK property since the mid-20th century), update the proprietorship register using:

1. Form AP1 (application to change the register — see gov.uk/AP1).
2. A copy of your deed poll (original or certified copy).
3. The title number(s) affected.
4. For a basic name change of a registered proprietor, no fee.

Submit by post to HM Land Registry Citizen Centre, PO Box 74, Gloucester GL1 9FY, or use the HMLR portal for digital submission if you have an account. HMLR updates the proprietorship register; no new title deeds are issued but the register reflects your new name on the next official copy.

Updating unregistered land and deeds

Unregistered land is property whose title remains in private paper deeds. To update it after a name change:

• Endorse each deed in your possession that bears your name — typically a solicitor can endorse a deed to evidence your name change.
• Notify any lender with a charge against the deeds so they update their security records.
• When the property is next sold or mortgaged and registered, the HMLR will register it with your new (or any subsequent) name on the proprietorship register.

Land Charges Register (K16)

The Land Charges Register records non-land-registered entries such as:

• Bankruptcy petitions and orders.
• Cautions against first registration.
• Court orders affecting land.

If any of these are listed under your previous name, you (or your solicitor) should update the entry to your new name. The K16 search will pull entries under both your previous and new names once linked. See gov.uk property search and charges for the relevant Land Charges Register entries.

Joint ownership considerations

Joint tenants own the property as a single legal entity; one AP1 application covers both names — you both sign and submit. Tenants in common hold separate equitable shares; each owner submits an AP1 for their own name change on the same property.

In both cases, your mortgage lender and any solicitor acting for you should also update their records to match. See our mortgage and savings guide for the financial-side update.