My late husband had the deeds to our property but when he died we were unable to find them. I applied to the Land Registry for a copy but it was never registered (this wasn’t compulsory in 1964 when we purchased it). As we did not have a mortgage I have no proof of purchase. What can I do? KB Sheffield
You should be able to replace the documents, but it will be time-consuming, and you would be well advised to appoint a solicitor to oversee the complex legal forms. Basically, the Land Registry will require an account of who held the deeds and how they came to be lost. You will have to apply for a first registration of title, which incurs a fee; reconstruct the title as best you can, including a scale plan outlining the boundaries; and provide your ID.
If you need help email Anna Tims at your.problems@observer.co.uk or write to Your Problems, The Observer, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Include an address and phone number.
