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Why Title Checks Are the Backbone of Every Conveyancing File
By Rick Barry
23 Sep 2024 • 4 min read
Introduction
Conveyancing isn’t just about completing a property transaction — it’s about protecting the client from future risk. At the centre of that protection is one key process: the title check. Without it, everything from boundary issues to outstanding charges can go unnoticed, causing serious problems long after completion. In this article, we explore why title checks are essential, what they uncover, and how they safeguard both lawyers and their clients.
What Is a Title Check , and Why It Matters
A title check involves examining official documents from the Land Registry to confirm the legal ownership of a property, along with any associated rights, restrictions, or encumbrances. It ensures the seller has the right to sell and identifies anything that could affect the buyer’s ability to use or resell the property in the future.
These checks are fundamental to due diligence. Without them, the buyer may unknowingly inherit unresolved disputes, financial liabilities, or access issues that could result in legal and financial consequences.
The Key Issues Uncovered During Title Review
A thorough title check will typically examine:
- Ownership history and legal title
- Easements or rights of way
- Restrictive covenants
- Charges and mortgages
- Leasehold conditions (if applicable)
- Boundaries and access issues
- Any discrepancies with the contract or other documents
Even a small oversight — like a missing right of access or an unregistered charge — can delay completion or even void a transaction.
“A single overlooked covenant nearly stopped our client’s home purchase a week before exchange. Luckily, our outsourced team caught it early enough to resolve it,”
— Conveyancing Lead, UK Firm
Reducing Risk Through Specialist Support
In busy conveyancing teams, reviewing titles quickly but thoroughly can be challenging. With high volumes and tight deadlines, it’s easy to miss red flags, especially when handling unfamiliar regions or complex titles.
Outsourcing title checks to a trusted partner like Panaxea helps firms stay efficient without sacrificing quality. Our legal professionals are trained in UK conveyancing and apply a structured, two, tier review to every title review — giving your team confidence that nothing is missed.
How Title Checks Add Value to Your Firm
Aside from protecting your client, high-quality title checks also protect your reputation. They:
- Help reduce professional indemnity risk
- Minimise post-completion disputes
- Speed up exchange and completion by resolving issues early
- Strengthen client trust through transparent reporting
When done properly, title checks serve as the foundation for a smooth transaction and demonstrate a solicitor’s diligence and professionalism.
Conclusion
Title checks are not just a procedural step — they’re the backbone of a legally sound conveyancing file. In a high-pressure, high-volume environment, having a dependable process (and partner) to handle them makes all the difference.
Need Support With Title Checks?
Panaxea offers fast, reliable title check support delivered by UK-trained professionals. Whether you need overflow assistance or ongoing conveyancing support, we’re here to help.
