Charges on a registered title
For registered land, the HM Land Registry title register is the starting point for ownership and many interests affecting the property. Its “C: Charges Register” often records mortgages and other burdens. “Charge” in this context does not mean every entry is a loan.
A legal charge is commonly a mortgage securing a lender’s interest. The Charges Register is a section of the title that can also contain rights of way, restrictive covenants and other interests.
How is a title organised?
Identifies the land and rights that benefit it, along with basic freehold or leasehold details.
Shows the registered owners and may contain restrictions on dealings with the title.
Usually lists burdens: a mortgage, rights benefiting other land, covenants or affected tenancies. Not every title has a C section.
Does a mortgage entry show what is owed?
Usually not. The title register may show the lender and the date a charge was registered, but it generally does not show the outstanding loan balance. A historic-looking entry should not be assumed discharged merely because a loan may have been repaid; check whether the register has been updated and ask the conveyancer or lender for the relevant evidence.
What about a restrictive covenant?
A restrictive covenant is a promise limiting certain uses of land. The C register may summarise it or refer to a separate deed containing its wording. Its precise scope and enforceability depend on the documents and circumstances, so the short register entry alone may not answer whether a proposed use is allowed.
A title search is not a local search
Many public planning restrictions are recorded in the Local Land Charges Register, while a mortgage is usually found in the registered title. Check both when both questions matter.
Source notes
This guide explains the position in England and Wales in plain language. Follow the official source for the full rules and current service arrangements.