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 January 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.
We analyse the property and its charges before you sign the earnest money contract, with no commitment.