There are two separate systems for recording transactions to property in Ireland:
The registration of title system (Land Registry) which provides a state guaranteed title to property and
The registration of deeds system (Registry of Deeds) which records the priority of the registered deeds and conveyances.
A title is the ownership of a property and a deed is a document in writing which affects property.
Both systems are mutually exclusive. As your solicitor, we will know which of the two systems is relevant to your case. Both systems are under the control and management of the Property Registration Authority. The Property Registration Authority (PRA) is an independent statutory body set up under the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006.
If you do not agree with a decision by the Authority, you may appeal it to the court and the court may annul or confirm the decision with or without any changes made to it.
The Land Registry: Registration of Title
When title or ownership is registered in the Land Registry all relevant details concerning the property and its ownership are entered on documents known as Folios. These form the registers maintained in the Land Registry.
Property that is registered at the Land Registry is known as registered land as every transaction on a property is registered on a folio. The folio is guaranteed by the State to be a confirmed record of the title to the property to which it refers.
A folio is a document which describes:
the property registered and refers to a plan on the Registry maps
the name and address of the registered owner(s)
any burdens, for example, rights of way or charges (mortgages) affecting the property.
Using the folio you can find out who has the title or ownership of a property without having to read the original deeds.
The Land Registry also maintains maps for the plans of property described in the registers. The Land Registry map (also called a filed plan) identifies property, not boundaries. The Register is therefore not conclusive as to boundaries. Any dispute as to boundaries must be resolved by the relevant parties - if they cannot reach agreement it is a matter for the courts to resolve.
