In a registered land transfer, which action completes the transfer of ownership?

• A. The mortgage is registered
• B. HM Land Registry updates the proprietorship register
• C. The seller signs a new lease
• D. The buyer obtains planning permission

Answer: (D)

In registered land transfers, ownership is completed when HM Land Registry updates the proprietorship register to show the buyer as the new proprietor. The transfer deed is executed and any necessary conditions met, but legal title passes only once the register is amended to reflect the new owner. The other actions don’t finalize ownership: registering a mortgage relates to securing a loan rather than transferring title; signing a new lease creates a leasehold interest instead of transferring ownership of the freehold; planning permission concerns development rights and does not affect who holds title. So the completion hinges on the Land Registry recording the new ownership.