A Report on Title is a formal document prepared by a borrower’s solicitor and addressed to the lender in a property development finance transaction. It outlines the legal status of the property’s title, confirms ownership, and discloses any matters affecting the land, such as easements, restrictive covenants, or third-party rights. It assures the lender that the title is suitable for securing the loan and that no unresolved legal issues could impair the value or development potential. It often precedes or accompanies loan completion, particularly where charges are being registered.
In practice, a Report on Title provides the lender with a detailed legal assessment of the property before funds are released, helping to identify any title issues that could affect security, valuation, planning implementation, or future disposal. For development projects, the report is particularly important where land assembly, rights of access, existing occupiers, or title restrictions may influence the proposed scheme. It forms a key part of the lender’s legal due diligence within the wider framework of Property and Title Related matters and is often reviewed alongside a Certificate of Title, which provides the lender with formal confirmations and undertakings regarding the security and transaction structure prior to completion.
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