What does a restriction on my property title mean?
A restriction is an entry in the proprietorship register at HM Land Registry that stops a sale or mortgage being registered unless certain conditions are met, such as a lender's consent or two trustees signing. Every restriction on a title must be satisfied or removed before the buyer can be registered.
Read more in our guide: Selling a property portfolio
Common restrictions
| Restriction | What is needed |
|---|---|
| Form A | Proceeds paid to two trustees or a trust corporation |
| Lender consent | Written consent or redemption of the charge |
| Management company | Certificate the buyer has joined or covenanted |
| Overage or covenant | Consent or certificate from the beneficiary |
| Court or charging order | Notice to, or consent of, the creditor |
| Company or charity | Certificate of compliance with its rules |
What restrictions do
A restriction does not stop you selling, but it stops the Land Registry registering the buyer until its terms are met. Buyers' solicitors check the register early and ask how each restriction will be dealt with on completion. An unexpected restriction found late can delay exchange.
Form A and joint owners
A Form A restriction appears when joint owners hold as tenants in common. It means a sole survivor cannot sell alone and give a valid receipt; a second trustee must be appointed. This is common in jointly owned portfolios after one owner dies.
Lender and creditor restrictions
Many lenders register a restriction alongside their charge. Redeeming the mortgage on completion deals with it; see mortgage redemption. A charging order from a creditor also produces a restriction, and the debt usually has to be paid from the sale proceeds.
Removing or complying
- Comply: the solicitor provides the consent or certificate the restriction asks for.
- Cancel: once a restriction no longer applies, it can be cancelled with form RX3.
- Withdraw: the person who benefits can withdraw it with form RX4.
Checking every title before marketing a portfolio avoids surprises once a buyer is committed.
Official Sources and Further Reading
- HM Land Registry: restrictions and protection of third-party interests (practice guide 19)
- GOV.UK: get information about property and land
General information for landlords in England, checked against official sources in October 2026. It is not tax, legal or financial advice: speak to a qualified accountant or solicitor about your own circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
A restriction is an entry in the proprietorship register at HM Land Registry that stops a sale or mortgage being registered unless certain conditions are met, such as a lender's consent or two trustees signing. Every restriction on a title must be satisfied or removed before the buyer can be registered.
No. A charge secures a debt on the property. A restriction controls what can be registered. Lenders often have both.
Anyone with a sufficient interest can apply, but you are told and can object. Unjustified applications can lead to compensation.
Order an official copy of the register from HM Land Registry. Restrictions appear in the proprietorship register, section B.
Thinking About Selling Your Portfolio?
Ask for a no-obligation portfolio appraisal, or call us to talk through your options in confidence.