Last Updated on March 24, 2025
What is a Land Registry folio?
Simply put, a folio is a numbered title document issued by the Land Registry as part of the ‘registration of title’ system.
These Land Registry Folios are State-guaranteed property titles and provide detailed information about a property, including descriptions, details of any transferred parts, ownership particulars, and other specifics such as charges, rights of way, and burdens.
The Land Registry also generates matching supplementary maps, known as title plans, which are used as location indicators (but not boundary markers) for land ownership. Currently, approximately ‘…90% of the legal titles in Ireland are now registered in the Land Registry…’ (PRAI).
Why might someone search for Land Registry (property) folios numbers?
For a purchaser or those merely seeking property ownership details, a folio provides a high degree of certainty regarding the title-holders and sets out the status of any burdens on the title.
For a solicitor or conveyancer with a responsibility to protect the interests of a lending institution providing a mortgage, a folio offers clear and reliable information about the title.
An added benefit of folios (registered titles), as opposed to unregistered titles (Registry of Deeds), is that the property in question is geolocated and outlined on Ordnance Survey-compliant ‘file’ plans/maps.
How to search for a Land Registry folio number in the registers
By Number
While it is common for the purchasing solicitor or conveyancer to have the folio reference number available as part of the seller’s title documents, for members of the public trying to ascertain property ownership, that may not be the case. If the number is to hand, then you merely request the folio document by the known number, i.e. CK5678F.
Mapping Search
If the folio number is unknown, a mapping search can be carried out to identify it. This involves comparing a current Ordnance Survey (OS) mapped area with the Land Registry maps. Each mapped area in the Land Registry maps corresponds to a specific folio number.
Registered Ownership Search
If the purchasing solicitor or inquirer is unaware of the folio number or exact location, a search can be performed in the Land Registry Names Index using the owner’s first name, last name, and a specific county to identify the folio number.
Once potential folio numbers are found, the folio file plan can be compared with the known land for sale or other available title details to find a match.
What will the Land Registry folio show me about property ownership?
Regardless of whether the relevant folios are identified through a known folio number, a mapping search, or a Names Index search, the resulting folio will have a consistent format, as it is generated by the Land Registry.
The folio is divided into three sections: details of the property, ownership details (including any cautions or inhibitions), and any burdens registered against the property.
Note: As part of the Ellis & Ellis folio search result, we automatically include any pending dealings (Applications for Registration). If there are no pending dealings, we will clearly state this in a separate Ellis & Ellis certificate of status.
Use a trusted Law Search provider
Given the critical importance of accurate identification, retrieval, and certification, it is essential for purchasing solicitors and information seekers to rely on a trusted legal search provider like Ellis & Ellis.
With our user-friendly ordering platform, over 130 years of professional expertise, and exceptional after-sales service, we offer clients a top-tier search experience.
For added assurance, Ellis & Ellis also provides substantial Professional Indemnity Cover.
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