Land Registration: Master the Principles and Practice

Question 1

Under the Land Registration Act 2002, when might the principle of indefeasibility of title be challenged?

Accepted Answer

In specific situations determined by courts, like cases of fraud or error.

Answer

When a registered title is completely secure and undisputed.

Answer

Only when titles have been registered for less than 15 years.

Question 2

What is the fundamental distinction between a freehold estate and a leasehold estate?

Accepted Answer

Freehold estates are of indefinite duration, whereas leasehold estates are for a fixed term

Answer

Leasehold estates confer ownership of the land, whereas freehold estates only grant a right to possess the land

Answer

Freehold estates are freely transferable, whereas leasehold estates are subject to the lease's terms

Answer

Leasehold estates are typically more valuable than freehold estates

Question 3

The 'mirror principle' in land registration ensures that the Land Register accurately reflects:

Accepted Answer

Current ownership and all interests affecting the land

Answer

Only freehold estates, not leasehold interests

Answer

The Land Register is not essential for effective land registration systems

Question 4

How does adverse possession challenge the principle of indefeasibility of registered titles?

Accepted Answer

It allows unregistered interests to claim ownership over registered titles in certain situations.

Answer

It requires registered proprietors to verify their title every ten years.

Answer

It gives the Land Registry the power to revoke registrations without notice.

Answer

It enables third parties to acquire an easement over registered land without the proprietor's consent.

Question 5

What is the primary responsibility of the Land Registry in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

To maintain a register of all legal interests in land

Answer

To arbitrate disputes over land ownership

Answer

To advise landowners on legal matters

Answer

To enforce building codes and regulations

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of registered land ownership?

Accepted Answer

Increased insurance costs

Answer

Stronger protection against fraudulent claims

Answer

Simplified and expedited property transfers

Answer

Immunity from adverse possession claims

Question 7

What is the key distinction between a mortgage and a charge in the context of land ownership?

Accepted Answer

Mortgage grants a legal interest to the lender, while a charge creates an equitable interest

Answer

Mortgages must be registered, whereas charges are exempt from registration

Answer

Mortgages are created only by deed, while charges can arise through deed or operation of law

Answer

There is no significant difference between mortgages and charges

Question 8

Which of the following accurately reflects the impact of the Land Registration Act 2002 on conveyancing professionals?

Accepted Answer

Reduced scope of tasks, enabling focus on complex matters

Accepted Answer

Increased use of electronic conveyancing for efficiency

Answer

Elimination of conveyancing professionals due to self-registration

Answer

Increased property fraud due to system vulnerability

Question 9

What is the primary function of the Land Registry?

Accepted Answer

To maintain a public register of all titles to land in England and Wales and to facilitate the conveyancing process.

Answer

To resolve disputes over ownership of land

Answer

To provide financial compensation to those who suffer loss due to defects in the land registration system

Answer

To regulate the conveyancing process

Question 10

What is the core principle that governs the Land Registry system in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Registered titles are guaranteed to be secure.

Answer

All types of land ownership are included in the system.

Answer

Registration is not required.

Answer

The system favors specific types of interests.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental principle of the Land Registration Act of 1925?

Accepted Answer

Doctrine of notice

Answer

Mirror principle

Answer

Curtain principle

Answer

Priority principle

Question 12

**Revised Question:** What is the primary objective of the Land Registry's priority rules?

Accepted Answer

To establish the order of precedence for various interests in land

Answer

To deter fraudulent activities

Answer

To ensure the utmost accuracy of the Land Register

Question 13

**Revised Question:** What is the primary function of a notice entered on the Land Register?

Accepted Answer

To alert potential buyers to the existence of potential claims or interests in the property

Answer

To prevent the registration of any subsequent interests in the land

Answer

To establish a legal interest in the land

Question 14

**Revised Question:** Which form of adverse possession can lead to the acquisition of a registered title to land?

Accepted Answer

Possession maintained openly and continuously for a period of 12 years without the knowledge or consent of the registered proprietor

Answer

Possession obtained under a factual error for 10 years

Answer

Possession held for 6 years with the consent of the registered proprietor

Question 15

**Revised Question:** What is the primary effect of a restrictive covenant attached to land?

Accepted Answer

It places limitations or restrictions on the use of the land by the owner

Answer

It is binding only on the current owner and not on future owners

Answer

It imposes a legal obligation on the owner to take specific actions

Question 16

What is the primary purpose of a Land Registry title plan?

Accepted Answer

To delineate the physical boundaries of the registered land and any easements affecting it.

Answer

To provide details of mortgages or charges secured against the registered land.

Answer

To chronologically document the ownership history of the registered land.

Question 17

Which type of interest in land is not afforded protection by registration under the Land Registration Act 2002?

Accepted Answer

An easement established through adverse possession.

Answer

A restrictive covenant.

Answer

A lease granted for a term exceeding 7 years.

Answer

A mortgage registered as a charge.

Question 18

What is the critical distinction between a registered lease and an unregistered lease?

Accepted Answer

A registered lease benefits from the protection of the Land Registration Act 2002, while an unregistered lease does not.

Answer

A registered lease is granted for a longer term than an unregistered lease.

Question 19

What is the central role of the Land Registry in the UK?

Accepted Answer

To maintain and administer a comprehensive register of land ownership and other interests in land.

Answer

To provide legal advice and representation to landowners.

Answer

To adjudicate and resolve disputes between landowners.

Question 20

What is the intended purpose of a restriction entered on the Land Register?

Accepted Answer

To prevent specific types of dealings with the registered land without the consent of the party who requested the restriction.

Answer

To indicate that the land is subject to a mortgage.

Question 21

What is the primary function of the Land Registry in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a comprehensive and publicly accessible register of land ownership and interests.

Answer

Resolving land disputes between neighbors.

Answer

Issuing building permits.

Question 22

Which principle of land registration is best described as the register accurately reflecting the legal state of title?

Accepted Answer

Mirror principle

Answer

Guarantee principle

Answer

Curtain principle

Question 23

What is the primary effect of the 'curtain' principle in land registration?

Accepted Answer

It prevents unregistered interests from binding registered proprietors, creating a 'curtain' that shields them from these interests.

Answer

It requires all interests in land to be registered.

Answer

It allows unregistered interests to override registered titles.

Question 24

What is the primary purpose of an 'overriding interest' in land registration?

Accepted Answer

To protect specific unregistered interests, such as certain rights of way or leases, that may still bind a registered proprietor.

Answer

To provide a mechanism for challenging the validity of registered titles.

Answer

To allow for the registration of all interests, regardless of their nature.

Question 25

A property is registered under the Land Registration Act 2002, but there is an unregistered easement for a right of way. If the registered owner tries to prevent access using this easement, what is the likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

The easement will likely bind the registered owner, even though it is unregistered, as it qualifies as an overriding interest.

Answer

The registered owner can successfully prevent access as the easement is not registered.

Answer

The easement will be extinguished as it was not registered.

Question 26

What is the main purpose of the 'guarantee' principle in land registration?

Accepted Answer

To provide financial compensation to registered proprietors who suffer loss due to mistakes or inaccuracies in the register.

Answer

To ensure that all land is registered within a specific timeframe.