How to research a property's history
A listing shows you a home at its best. Its history shows you what's really going on, and most of that history is sitting in public records, waiting to be read.
In short: a property's past, its sale prices, owners, planning applications and area changes, is on public record. Reading it together tells you whether a home is fairly priced and free of surprises before you offer.
Sale and price history
HM Land Registry records nearly every sale in England and Wales. You can see what a property last sold for, when, and how its value has moved, plus what similar homes nearby achieved. A pattern of rapid resales is worth a second look; a price drifting out of line with the street is a negotiating point.
Ownership and tenure
The title register names the owner and shows whether it's freehold or leasehold, along with any charges or restrictions. Useful both for understanding the property and for knowing who you're really dealing with.
Planning and alterations
The local planning portal lists past applications and decisions. This is how you find out whether that smart extension had permission, whether a loft conversion was signed off, and whether anything nearby has been approved that could affect you. Unpermitted work can quietly become the buyer's problem.
Risk and area history
Flood records, the EPC history and even historic maps round out the picture, showing how a property and its surroundings have changed over years or decades.
The whole history, one address
Sold prices, ownership, planning, risk and more, gathered and explained in a property report.
Explore property reportsFrequently asked questions
How can I find the history of a house?
Combine a few public sources: HM Land Registry for past sale prices and ownership, the planning portal for past applications and extensions, EPC records for energy history, and historic maps for how the area has changed. A property report assembles these for a single address.
Can I see how much a house sold for previously?
Yes. HM Land Registry records the price of nearly every sale in England and Wales, so you can see what a property last sold for and track its value over time.
Why does a property's history matter?
It reveals things the listing won't: rapid resales (which can hint at problems), unpermitted changes, past planning refusals, or a price that's drifted out of line with the street. It's context that strengthens your offer and your decision.
Can I check if work on a house had planning permission?
Often yes. Local planning portals list past applications and decisions, so you can check whether an extension or conversion was approved, important, because unpermitted work can become your problem after you buy.