A road or sewer system becomes "adopted" when responsibility passes to the highway authority (typically under a Section 38 Agreement) or sewer undertaker (typically under a Section 104 Agreement).

A formal document required to transfer ownership of property to the beneficiary following the death of the owner.

A person formally appointed to act on behalf of another, either generally or for a spe

Approval by the local authority on the design, structure, and materials used in building work. (Not the same as Planning Permission.)

The final stage of a property transaction when money and ownership change hands.

A breakdown of all receipts and payments related to a property transaction.

A legal agreement between buyer and seller, setting out all rights and obligations when a property changes hands.

A commercial lease where Security of Tenure does not apply.

A deed transferring ownership of unregistered land.

A legally binding promise:

• Positive Covenant – Requires the property owner to do something (e.g., maintain a boundary).
• Restrictive Covenant – Prevents the owner from doing something (e.g., building an extension).

Commercial Property Standard Enquiries, a common form of preliminary questions in property transactions.

The process where a seller’s solicitor proves legal ownership of the land.

Payments made on a buyer’s behalf, such as search fees or Land Registry fees.

A preliminary version of a legal document before final approval.

The investigations a buyer undertakes to assess the value and risks of a property before purchase.

A legal right benefiting land, such as a right of way.

The final, official version of a document ready for signature.

The point at which both parties become legally bound to complete the transaction.

When part of a property is built over another without shared ownership of the underlying land.

Absolute ownership of land and property.

Planning approval allowing development, subject to conditions.

The owner of a leasehold property who grants tenancy to a tenant.

The government body maintaining property ownership records in England and Wales.

The document outlining a tenant’s rights, responsibilities, and duration of tenancy for a leasehold property.

Ownership of property for a limited period, subject to a lease.

A loan secured against a property, ensuring repayment before sale.

Approval in principle for development, requiring further details later.

An additional payment beyond the purchase price, often based on future development profits.

Questions asked by a buyer’s solicitor to clarify property details before exchange.

A right allowing public access across land.

Property recorded at the Land Registry.

A formal enquiry requiring a response as part of Deduction of Title.

See Covenant.

Enquiries made with authorities (e.g., Local Authority, Environment Agency) about property-related matters.

The legal right of a commercial tenant to renew their lease, unless Contracted Out.

Ongoing payments in leasehold properties covering maintenance, insurance, and shared facilities.

A tax paid on property purchases, calculated based on price and lease terms.

A legal order closing a Public Right of Way.

The leaseholder who occupies a leasehold property.

The duration of a lease.

Proof of property ownership, which may be Freehold or Leasehold.

A document transferring ownership of registered land.

Property ownership that is not recorded at the Land Registry and must be proven through historic title deeds.

A contract allowing utility providers (e.g., electricity, telecoms) to install equipment on private land.