What happens if the Land Registry make a mistake?

The system of the Land Registry is underpinned by three principles: (1) the insurance principle; (2) the curtain principle and; (3) the mirror principle. 

The mirror principle represents the idea that the Register of Title should reflect all the important details about the lands ownership, i.e a ‘mirror’ of who the owners are and their interests in the property. 

The insurance principle supports the mirror principle. This means that if the Register is inaccurate and the ‘mirror’ has failed, the Land Registry will indemnify losses that have occurred.  You will need to make a written request for indemnity for the Land Registry’s legal team to consider, and any genuine mistakes on behalf of the Land Registry ought to be compensated appropriately. 

A solicitor should check the update Land Registry title documents after a conveyance has completed to ensure the updated title is accurate. This will mean that if any mistakes in the registration have been made, the title can be rectified without delay. This will avoid any indemnity from the land registry being necessary, if the error is corrected promptly. 

However, in situations where the loss has occurred and amending the registry will not suffice, the insurance principle may able to assist. 

If you would like any further information or advice in relation to buying or selling a property, please contact us on 01384 410 410 or send an email to residentialconveyancing@georgegreen.co.uk. You can also get a free quote by using our conveyancing quote tool on our website.