Keeping your contact details up to date with HM Land Registry is a crucial but often overlooked aspect of property ownership. Whether you are a homeowner, landlord, or property investor, ensuring that the Land Registry has your current address can help protect your property from fraud, ensure you receive important legal notices, and maintain accurate public records.
At Blackstone Solicitors, we regularly advise clients across England and Wales on property law matters, including how to update their details with HM Land Registry. In this article, we explain what a Land Registry change of address involves, why it matters, and how to go about it.
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Why Is It Important to Update Your Address?
When you own a property, your details are recorded on the title register maintained by HM Land Registry. This includes your name and “address for service”—the address where official correspondence will be sent.
If your address is out of date, you may miss critical communications, such as:
- Notices of legal proceedings;
- Notifications of applications affecting your property;
- Alerts regarding potential fraud or unauthorised activity.
In the worst-case scenario, failing to update your address could result in property fraud, where criminals attempt to sell or mortgage your property without your knowledge. Keeping your address current is a simple but effective way to reduce this risk.
Who Can Update Their Address?
The following parties can apply to update their address with HM Land Registry:
- Registered proprietors (i.e. property owners);
- Mortgage lenders or other charge holders;
- Legal representatives acting on behalf of an owner (e.g. executors or attorneys).
If you own more than one property, you must update the address for each title individually unless you request a bulk update.
How Many Addresses Can Be Registered?
You can register up to three addresses for service with HM Land Registry. These can include:
- A residential address in the UK;
- A business address;
- An email address;
- An address abroad.
Having multiple addresses increases the likelihood that you will receive important notices, even if one method fails.
How to Change Your Address with HM Land Registry
The process for changing your address is relatively straightforward, but it must be done correctly to ensure the update is legally recognised.
Step 1: Complete the Correct Form
To change your address, you must complete Form COG1 (Change of Address for Service). This form is available from HM Land Registry and requires the following information:
- Your full name;
- The title number(s) of the property or properties;
- Your current address for service;
- Your new address(es) for service;
- Your signature (or that of your legal representative).
If the property is jointly owned, all owners must sign the form.
Step 2: Submit the Form to HM Land Registry
Once completed, the form should be sent to:
HM Land Registry Citizen Centre
PO Box 74
Gloucester
GL14 9BB
There is no fee for changing your address.
Step 3: Await Confirmation
HM Land Registry will process your application and update the title register. You will receive confirmation once the change has been made. This can take several days to a few weeks, depending on processing times.
Can You Change Your Address Online?
As of now, individuals must submit Form COG1 by post. However, legal professionals and businesses registered with HM Land Registry’s Business e-services may be able to submit changes electronically through the Land Registry portal.
At Blackstone Solicitors, we can handle this process on your behalf, ensuring accuracy and compliance with all legal requirements.
What If You’ve Changed Your Name Too?
If you have changed your name (e.g. due to marriage or deed poll), you will need to update your name on the title register as well. This requires a separate application using Form AP1 and supporting documentation, such as a marriage certificate or deed poll.
We can assist with both name and address changes as part of a comprehensive title update service.
What If You’ve Inherited a Property?
If you have inherited a property and the title is still in the name of the deceased, you cannot simply change the address. You must first apply to transfer the ownership into your name using the appropriate forms and supporting documents (e.g. grant of probate or letters of administration).
Once the title is in your name, you can then update the address for service.
What If You Own Property Through a Company?
If the registered proprietor is a limited company, the address for service should be the company’s registered office or another appropriate business address. Any changes must be authorised by a company officer and submitted with the correct documentation.
Risks of Not Updating Your Address
Failing to update your address with HM Land Registry can have serious consequences, including:
- Missing legal notices: You may be unaware of legal proceedings or applications affecting your property.
- Increased risk of fraud: Criminals may exploit outdated records to impersonate you or deal with your property unlawfully.
- Delays in transactions: If your address is incorrect, it can cause delays when selling, remortgaging, or transferring the property.
How Blackstone Solicitors Can Help
At Blackstone Solicitors, we offer a full range of property law services, including:
- Updating addresses and names on the Land Registry;
- Advising on title corrections and disputes;
- Handling property transfers and inheritance matters;
- Providing fraud prevention advice for property owners.
We serve clients across England and Wales, offering clear, efficient, and legally sound solutions tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
Keeping your address up to date with HM Land Registry is a simple but essential step in protecting your property and ensuring you remain informed about any legal matters affecting your ownership. Whether you’ve moved house, changed your name, or inherited a property, it’s important to notify the Land Registry promptly.
If you need assistance with a Land Registry change of address or any other property-related matter, contact Blackstone Solicitors today. Our experienced team is here to help you safeguard your property interests with confidence and clarity.
We have a proven track-record of helping clients deal with the legal implications of land registry changes. We are a multidisciplinary firm and have all the expertise inhouse to satisfy the most exacting requirements of our clients. We will guide you through all the necessary legal due diligence in a comprehensive and timely manner. We firmly believe that with the right solicitors by your side, the entire process will seem more manageable and far less daunting.
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How to Contact Our Residential Property Solicitors
It is important for you to be well informed about the issues and possible implications of dealing with the land registry. However, expert legal support is crucial in terms of ensuring a positive outcome to your purchase.
To speak to a member of our New Enquiries Team today, simply call us on 0345 901 0445, or click here to make a free enquiry. We are well known across the country and can assist wherever you are based. We also have offices based in Cheshire and London.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice on any individual circumstances.
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