UK’s Beneficial Ownership Registers: What Property Investors Need to Know

The UK's beneficial ownership registers are vital tools for anyone involved in property investment, development or management. These registers aim to show who ultimately owns or controls companies and property-holding entities, enhancing transparency and helping to combat money laundering and other illicit financial activities.

There are two primary beneficial ownership registers. The Person with Significant Control (PSC) Register, which covers UK companies and certain other legal entities, and the Register of Overseas Entities (ROE), which covers non-UK entities owning or leasing UK property.

But what exactly are these registers, what do they do and why do property investors need to know about them? Let’s discuss all that.

The Person with Significant Control (PSC) Register

The Person with Significant Control Register identifies individuals or entities with significant control over UK companies. This register is maintained by Companies House and is freely accessible to the public online. This means that anyone, including lay property investors, can verify the ownership of a UK company.

For investors, the PSC Register provides a clear view of who truly controls a company, making it easier to assess risk and ensure that any investment or transaction is conducted with full knowledge of the parties involved.

A further thing to note here is that, starting 18 November 2025, all new and existing directors and PSCs will be required to verify their identities with Companies House within 14 days of appointment or during the company's next confirmation statement. This verification is expected to enhance the accuracy of the data in the register.

The Register of Overseas Entities (ROE)

The Register of Overseas Entities requires non-UK entities owning or leasing UK property to disclose their beneficial owners. From 31 August 2025, third parties have been able to request information about trusts listed on the ROE. However, they must provide evidence of a legitimate interest, such as involvement in anti-money laundering efforts or tax investigations.

Additionally, from 31 July 2025, overseas entities have been required to disclose beneficial ownership information for the period between 28 February 2022 and their registration date. This retrospective disclosure aims to provide a complete ownership history for entities owning UK property.

Trusts & Beneficial Ownership

Trusts are legal arrangements where a trustee holds and manages assets on behalf of beneficiaries. While they serve legitimate purposes, such as estate planning, inheritance or asset protection, they can sometimes obscure who ultimately owns or benefits from the property.

However, recent changes to the ROE have increased transparency by allowing certain trust ownership information to be disclosed. This means that, when a trust holds UK property through an overseas entity, property investors or other parties can request information to identify the ultimate beneficial owner (UBO).

However, disclosure is not automatic for everyone. Individuals whose information could put them at risk of harm or intimidation can apply to Companies House for protective measures. This process ensures that sensitive information, such as the identity of vulnerable beneficiaries, is safeguarded while maintaining overall transparency.

Public Access & Limitations

Both the PSC Register and the ROE are maintained as public records, but there are important differences in access. The PSC Register is fully accessible online and free to use, while the ROE requires an application in some cases, particularly for trusts, and a small fee may apply.

Furthermore, some trusts and individuals may be protected from disclosure for privacy or safety reasons. This means that while transparency has significantly improved, it is not the same as unrestricted access to every trust in the UK.

How Can Property Investors Benefit from the Beneficial Ownership Registers?

For property investors, the beneficial ownership registers have several practical benefits. They allow investors to conduct thorough due diligence and ensure they know exactly who owns or controls the property they are buying or leasing. This helps in complying with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, reduces reputational and financial risk, and promotes transparency in the UK property market.

Understanding whether a property is held by a UK company or an overseas entity is crucial, as this determines which register to consult and the level of information that can be accessed.

Conclusion

The UK’s beneficial ownership registers—the PSC Register and the ROE—are powerful tools for increasing transparency in property ownership. While public access has improved, investors should understand the differences between the registers and how trust information is disclosed.

By using these registers effectively, property investors can perform proper due diligence, comply with legal requirements, reduce risks, and participate in a more transparent and accountable property market.