What Is a TR1 Form?

The TR1 form — officially known as the Transfer of Whole of Registered Title — is the legally binding HM Land Registry document that transfers ownership of an entire registered property from one party to another. It can also be used to first register an unregistered property at Land Registry.

As part of the conveyancing process, the TR1 is prepared by the seller's conveyancer before completion, signed by both parties, and then sent to HM Land Registry after completion to update the official ownership records.

When Is a TR1 Form Used?

The TR1 is used whenever the whole of a registered title is being transferred, including:

• Sale of a property — the most common use
• Gift of property — transferring ownership without money changing hands
• Transfer between spouses or partners — for example, adding or removing someone from the title
• Inherited property — transferring to beneficiaries after probate
• First registration — registering a previously unregistered property at Land Registry

What Does the TR1 Form Contain?

The TR1 is a structured form with several panels. Key sections include:

Panel	What It Records
Title number	The unique Land Registry reference for the property
Property description	The full address and description of the property being transferred
Date	The date of completion
Transferor (seller)	Name and details of the current registered owner
Transferee (buyer)	Name and details of the new owner(s)
Consideration	The price paid (or confirmation it is a gift / nominal consideration)
Title guarantee	Full or limited title guarantee — confirms what the seller is warranting about their ownership
Declaration of trust	For joint buyers — specifies whether they hold as joint tenants or tenants in common
Additional provisions	Any covenants, restrictions, or other obligations the buyer is taking on
Execution	Signatures of both the seller and buyer, witnessed

Who Signs the TR1?

Both the seller (transferor) and the buyer (transferee) must sign the TR1 in the presence of an independent witness. Signatures must be witnessed — an unwitnessed TR1 will be rejected by HM Land Registry.

In practice, your conveyancer will prepare the TR1, arrange for you to sign it (either in person or by post/email with a wet or electronic signature), and confirm it is correctly witnessed before sending it to Land Registry after completion.

What Documents Are Sent With the TR1?

After completion, the seller's conveyancer sends the TR1 to HM Land Registry along with:

• Form AP1 (Application to Change the Register) or Form FR1 (First Registration application) — the formal application form for Land Registry
• Stamp Duty Land Tax Certificate (SDLT5) — confirming that the relevant property tax has been paid or that the transaction is exempt
• Certificate of Identity — confirming the identity of the parties
• Any other supporting documents required by the specific transaction (e.g. mortgage deed, copy lease for leasehold property)

Joint Tenants vs Tenants in Common on the TR1

When two or more buyers purchase together, the TR1 includes a panel for them to declare how they hold the property:

• Joint tenants — each owner holds 100% of the property; on death, the survivor automatically inherits the deceased's share (right of survivorship). Simpler, but does not allow unequal shares.
• Tenants in common — each owner holds a specified share (e.g. 60:40). They can leave their share to whomever they choose in their will. Usually accompanied by a deed of trust setting out the shares and financial arrangements.

See our full guide on tenants in common vs joint tenants for a complete comparison.

What Is 'Full Title Guarantee'?

The TR1 asks the seller to confirm whether they are transferring with "full title guarantee" or "limited title guarantee":

• Full title guarantee: The seller confirms they have the right to transfer the property and that there are no undisclosed encumbrances (beyond those already noted in the title). This is the standard guarantee in most residential sales.
• Limited title guarantee: Used when the seller cannot fully vouch for the title — for example, in a probate sale where the personal representative has limited knowledge of the property's history.

How Long Does Land Registry Take After Completion?

After the TR1 and accompanying documents are submitted, HM Land Registry updates the title register to show the new owner. Current processing times vary significantly — from a few weeks for straightforward cases to several months for complex ones. Your conveyancer should confirm registration once complete. See the HM Land Registry website for current processing time estimates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the buyer or seller complete the TR1?

The TR1 is typically prepared by the seller's conveyancer, who drafts it and sends it to the buyer's solicitor for approval. Both parties then sign it before or on completion day.

Can I get a copy of my TR1?

Yes. Once registration is complete, the title register held at HM Land Registry reflects the transfer. You can obtain official copies of your title register and title plan from Land Registry for a small fee. Your conveyancer should also keep a copy for their file.

What is the difference between a TR1 and a TP1?

TR1 transfers the whole of a registered title. TP1 (Transfer of Part) is used when only part of a property or land is being transferred — for example, when a developer sells individual plots from a larger registered title.