Commons Registration Searches

Searches UK supplies Conveyancing departments UK wide with Commons Registrations Searches, frequently also referred to as a Common Land Search.

What are Commons Registration Searches?

Commons Registration Searches are essential Searches for properties being purchased within rural locations or if access to the property in question is via open land. Common Land Registration allows access on foot for specific members of a community and the right to use the land for activities such as grazing pasture, festivals, etc. If a piece of land is registered, the Search result will also show whether the land is subject to rights of common, claimed ownership registration and/or registration under the Land Registration Acts. This could have important implications for the potential purchaser(s) of any such property with land. By knowing in advance whether there is a Common Land Registration in place, purchasers will be in the best position to consider whether to proceed with the transaction. 

Commons Registration Searches Results – Implications

The Register consists of two parts:

1. The register of common land and
2. The register of town or village greens.

If the piece of land in question is found to be common land then it cannot be de-registered. The status of the land should be relayed to the purchaser and any lender. It is highly unlikely that a Commons Registration Search will identify that the property associated with the land is actually built on the common land – if it is then it should not be there and the County Council can order it to be removed by law.

Any land found to be common should be reported as open to access by the public. This common land should not be fenced in. If access routes to the property are located on common land then this is an important finding and the purchaser and lender should be made aware that the purchaser can only access the property on foot. No vehicular rights are allowed across common land, which clearly has a critical bearing on any purchase consideration. 

For Commons Registration Searches product information please see our product card below.

Choose Searches UK for your Commons Registration Searches:

* Fast and expert service
* 100% coverage in England & Wales
* Quality guaranteed 

If you would like to order a Commons Registration Search please click here

Alternatively, to order your Commons Registration Searches please email us or call us on 0845 2411815.