The document that reveals who owns a property and what debts it carries. Learn to read it so you don't get any surprises.
Buying & selling · Updated October 2026 · 5 min read
The Land Registry extract (nota simple) is the document issued by the Land Registry with the essential information about a property. It is the first thing any buyer should review, because it reveals risks that are not visible during the viewing.
Be careful if there are uncancelled mortgages, seizures, a seller who is not the owner, or large discrepancies between the registered and actual surface area. Any of these can stop the purchase or require a retention from the price.
The extract is only the first filter; in major transactions a full due diligence is advisable. See everything we review on our property purchase page.
At the Land Registry (in person or online). It has a nominal cost and anyone with a legitimate interest can request it.
It reflects the registry situation (charges, ownership), but not hidden defects or community debts. That's why it should be complemented with a technical and community review.
The description of the property, the ownership and the charges and encumbrances: mortgages, seizures, easements and tax liens. It is the registry snapshot of the property.
At the Land Registry, in person or online, for a small fee. Anyone with a legitimate interest can request it.
It is advisable to obtain a recent one before signing the arras and another just before the deed, because the charges situation can change. We check it at both moments.
We analyse the property and its charges before you sign the earnest money contract, with no commitment.
