Everything you need to know about Form TR1

What is Form TR1?

Form TR1 is the standard HM Land Registry deed used to transfer the whole of a registered freehold or leasehold title from a transferor (seller or donor) to a transferee (buyer or recipient) in England and Wales. It's the document that legally moves ownership of a registered property when the whole of the title changes hands — most commonly at the sale of a house or flat, but also for gifts, transfers between family members, transfers into trust, or transfers into a company name. If only part of a title is being transferred, Form TP1 is used instead.

Who signs Form TR1 and when?

The transferor (current registered proprietor) signs TR1 as a deed. The transferee signs only if TR1 contains a declaration or covenant that requires the transferee's signature — for example, joint tenants declaring the new form of co-ownership, or the transferee giving an indemnity covenant. Each signature must be witnessed by an independent adult witness who signs, prints their name, and gives their address. TR1 is executed at completion and then registered with HM Land Registry within the priority period of the OS1 search (usually 30 working days).

What must Form TR1 include?

The title number(s) of the property being transferred; the property description as recorded on the title register; the full names and addresses of transferor(s) and transferee(s); the date of transfer; the consideration (the price paid, "for love and affection" if a gift, or another form of consideration); any additional covenants, declarations, or restrictions (such as the manner of co-ownership on Panel 11, indemnity covenants, or reserved rights); and the transferor's execution (signature witnessed as a deed). Panels are numbered so nothing is missed.

How do you submit Form TR1?

TR1 is normally submitted to HM Land Registry as part of an application on Form AP1, along with the previous title deeds, the certified copy of the transfer, any Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) confirmation, the applicable HM Land Registry fee, and any other required documents (ID1 forms for unrepresented parties, mortgage discharges, etc.). Most conveyancers file electronically through HM Land Registry's Portal or Business Gateway. Once registered, HM Land Registry updates the title register and issues an updated official copy showing the transferee as the registered proprietor.