Property evidenced by a Transport normally follows the Deeds Registry branch. The transfer involves more than an Agreement of Sale: the parties must address registry records, authority, GRA compliance, duty and the correct conveyancing instrument.
Current forms, supporting documents, charges, payment methods and processing periods should be confirmed with DCRA for the specific transaction.
Confirm the Transport route
Obtain the current Transport and official property description. Do not route the matter through the Deeds Registry only because of the location.
If the owner holds a Certificate of Title, the Land Registry branch may apply instead. See Transport or Certificate of Title?.
Search the registry record
Use the owner, property description, Transport number and available earlier references to request the appropriate search or copies.
Review recorded mortgages, liens, powers of attorney and other interests. A clear registry search is not a guarantee of physical boundaries or transaction validity.
Confirm ownership and authority
The transferor should be the recorded owner or a person with legally sufficient authority. Company resolutions, powers of attorney, probate or letters of administration may require separate review.
The names, capacities and property description should remain consistent across the Agreement of Sale, GRA documents and registry instrument.
Complete the transaction agreement
The Agreement of Sale should identify the parties, property, price, deposit, payment terms, conditions and completion responsibilities.
Where a mortgage exists, coordinate the lender payoff, release documentation and registry discharge. These are separate events.
Obtain GRA land compliance
Prepare the relevant GRA application and supporting transaction, title, TIN, authority and expense evidence.
GRA compliance is not the transfer instrument. It confirms the applicable tax-compliance stage so the registry transaction can proceed. See GRA Compliance for a Property Transfer.
Prepare and file the Deeds Registry instrument
The conveyancing and Transport documentation must match the Deeds Registry framework. The exact instrument and supporting package depend on whether the matter is a sale, gift, estate, company, mortgage-related or other transfer.
Confirm current execution, witnessing, notice, filing, duty and publication requirements with the registry and qualified adviser.
Protect the completion record
Retain:
- the Agreement of Sale and receipts;
- registry searches and copies;
- GRA compliance and tax evidence;
- lender release and discharge records;
- filed transfer documents and receipts; and
- the final registered ownership record.
Transfer checklist
- Confirm the property uses the Transport system.
- Search the Deeds Registry record.
- Confirm the owner and authority to transfer.
- Review survey, access and property evidence.
- Complete the transaction agreement.
- Address mortgages and other interests.
- Obtain GRA land compliance and duty guidance.
- Prepare the correct Deeds Registry instrument.
- Confirm current filing requirements and charges.
- Retain the final registered record.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using Land Registry transfer forms for Transport property.
- Treating the Agreement of Sale as the completed transfer.
- Assuming GRA compliance transfers ownership.
- Paying off a mortgage without completing registry discharge.
- Quoting old registry charges or processing periods as current.
- Taking possession without preserving completion documents.
Official sources
- Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority
- DCRA contact information
- GRA Compliance
- GRA valuation clarification
Editorial note
This guide provides general information, not conveyancing, title, tax or legal advice. Deeds Registry transfers are document- and property-specific. Use qualified advisers and confirm current requirements.
