A TP1 agreement (short for Transfer of Part Form TP1) is a legal document used in property transactions to transfer ownership of part of a registered piece of land from one party to another. It is a standard form used by HM Land Registry in England and Wales.

In simple terms, it is the document that officially records the transfer of a specific section of land from one owner (usually the developer or landowner) to another (often a private buyer, housing association, or management company).

Purpose

The TP1 is used when only part of a larger registered title is being sold or transferred. It sets out:

• The exact area of land being transferred (shown on a detailed plan).
• The new owner’s details.
• Any rights granted (for example, access roads, drainage, or shared pathways).
• Any rights reserved by the seller (for example, rights to maintain services or shared spaces).
• Any covenants (legal promises) that bind the land or the owner.

Typical Use in Developments

TP1 agreements are commonly used in new housing developments where:

• A developer sells individual plots or homes from a larger site.
• Ownership of shared areas (roads, landscaping, or drainage) needs to be clearly defined.
• Certain obligations or restrictions need to be passed to new homeowners (for example, maintenance of communal areas or adherence to an estate management scheme).

Key Components

• Land Registry Plan: A detailed plan showing the exact boundaries of the land being transferred, usually shaded or outlined in colour.
• Covenants: Legal promises that restrict or require certain actions, such as maintaining fences, paying service charges, or not altering property appearances without permission.
• Easements and Rights: These may include rights of way, access to utilities, or drainage connections.
• Consideration: The payment (usually the purchase price) made for the transfer.

Relationship to Section 106 Agreements

While a Section 106 agreement deals with planning obligations between a developer and the local authority, a TP1 agreement deals with the legal transfer of ownership to a buyer or third party. However, TP1 documents often refer to Section 106 obligations to ensure new owners are aware of any planning-related responsibilities affecting their land.

Summary

In summary, a TP1 agreement:

• Transfers part of a registered title to a new owner.
• Defines boundaries, rights, and covenants affecting the land.
• Ensures each new property or plot in a development is legally distinct and properly recorded by HM Land Registry.

It is an essential legal document for recording land ownership and setting out the rights and responsibilities that come with it.