Guide to Correcting Land Registry (Taboo) Errors – Procedures, Rights and Legal Assistance

What is a Land Registry Error and Why is it Important to Correct it?

The land registry (taboo) is the central document that records your rights in a property. Every entry in the land registry — whether it is a right of ownership, a lien, a right of use or any other notation — directly affects the value of the property, your ability to sell it, lease it or use it as collateral for a loan. An error in real estate registration, whether it is an error in the owner's name, an error in the property description, an error in boundaries, registration of a right that should not have been registered, or any other inaccuracy in the land registry deed, can create significant legal, financial and bureaucratic problems.

Correcting an error in the land registry is a legal process aimed at correcting the registration and restoring it to a state that reflects the true legal reality. Without correction, such errors may hinder the sale of the property, limit its market value, or even prevent legitimate owners from exercising their rights.

Why Mendelboim, Gor, Witzman-Gor & Co.?

Our firm has specialized in real estate and property law since 2008. We have extensive experience in land registry corrections, land registry office proceedings, legal arguments and resolution of disputes regarding registration of rights. We represent property owners, buyers, sellers and companies in complex real estate registration correction procedures. A first consultation meeting at no cost — in which we examine the error, explain the correct approach and plan a legal strategy tailored to your case.

Types of Land Registry Errors and Real Estate Registration Mistakes

Not all land registry errors are the same, and the procedure for correction also varies depending on the type of error and who caused it. Understanding the type of error is the first step in planning a correction strategy.

Errors in Property Description

Errors in the size of the property, in boundaries, in areas, in the description of the building or in the description of the plot. Example: the land registry records an area of 100 square meters but in fact the property is 120 square meters. Or the boundary with a neighbor is recorded in error at a different point than in reality. Such errors may be caused by errors in measurement, in plans or in document processing at the land registry office.

Errors in Owner Names and Identities

An owner's name is recorded in error (for example, misspelling of the name, addition of an additional name that should not have been there, or incorrect identification). This can be a critical issue when it comes to sale, inheritance or loans.

Errors in Registered Rights and Liens

A right that should not have been registered, a lien that was established in error, a use right that is not valid, or an inaccurate notation. Example: a bank registered a lien on the property even after a loan was repaid, or the name of an ex-spouse is recorded as a co-owner despite a divorce.

Errors in Technical and Administrative Data

Incorrect land registry number, incorrect regional code, incorrect registration date, or incorrect notations by the land registry office. Such errors may lead to confusion in identifying the property or to unforeseen legal effects.

How Much Does It Cost to Correct a Land Registry Error?

The cost depends on the type of error, the complexity of the procedure, and whether the error is acknowledged or litigation is required. There is no straightforward answer, but we can describe the typical cost ranges.

Costs in Administrative Correction

If the error is minor and can be corrected directly with the Land Registry office (for example, a spelling mistake in a name), the costs are usually lower. You need to pay a Land Registry fee (the amount varies depending on the type of error) and also legal consultation fees if you hire an attorney. Typically, such costs fall in the lower range compared to full litigation.

Costs in Legal Proceedings

If the error is complex or the Land Registry office rejects the request, you will need to file a lawsuit in court. Costs include: attorney fees (usually based on hourly work or a one-time agreement), court filing fees, and other costs such as surveyor expert or technical consultation. These costs are usually higher than administrative correction.

Additional Costs

In some cases, if the error involves the rights of third parties (for example, a spouse with rights to the property), you may need to pay settlements or compensation to obtain their consent for the correction. This can significantly affect the final cost.

Our Recommendation: At a free initial consultation meeting, we examine your case, assess the type of error and complexity of the procedure, and provide you with an initial estimate of the expected costs. This helps you plan your budget and understand the required investment.

How Long Does It Take to Correct a Land Registry Error?

The time depends on the type of error and the procedure chosen. Simple administrative correction may take several weeks to a few months, while legal proceedings may take months to a year or more, depending on court workload, case complexity, and the responsiveness of the parties involved.

Quick Resolutions

Errors that can be corrected through direct administrative procedure (such as a spelling mistake in a name) may take between 2 to 6 weeks, provided the Land Registry office agrees immediately. Sometimes it can be even faster if all documents are ready.

Legal Proceedings

If the error requires legal proceedings, the time varies depending on several factors: court workload, number of hearings required, appeals procedures, and more. Typically, such a procedure can take between six months to a year and a half or more.

Your Rights as a Property Owner with a Land Registry Error

If you discovered an error in your land registry, it is important to understand that you have certain legal rights. They are not limited by time in a rigid way, but the sooner you start taking action, the better.

The Right to Correction

You have the legal right to demand correction of a land registry error if it affects your rights or the value of your property. This right is based on principles of justice, accuracy, and registration precision.

Protection from Damages

If the error caused you damage (for example, the property decreased in value, or you were prevented from selling it), you may be able to sue the Land Registry office or the party responsible for the error for damages. This requires proof of actual damage.

Option to Cancel a Transaction

In certain cases, if the error resulted in an incorrect transaction (for example, purchasing a property under conditions you would not have agreed to if you had known about the error), you may be able to request cancellation of the transaction or a price reduction. This requires proof of a material error that influenced your purchase decision.

What to Do If You Suspect a Land Registry Error?

Practical Steps

1. Obtain a copy of your current land registry: Request an official copy of your land registry from the Land Registry office. This will help you identify exactly what is currently registered.
2. Compare with supporting documents: Compare the land registry with your purchase agreement, plans, previous ownership certificates, and any other documents you have. This will help you locate the error.
3. Document the error: Write clearly what the error is, where it appears in the land registry, and what the correct registration should be.
4. Contact a real estate attorney: If you are unsure how to proceed, or if the error is complex, contact an attorney experienced in land registry corrections. Our office offers a free initial consultation meeting in which we examine your case and provide you with clear guidance.
5. Do not wait: The sooner you start taking action, the easier it will be to correct the error. Errors left untreated for years can become more complicated.

Why Choose Mendelboim, Gor, Witzman-Gor & Co. for Correcting a Land Registry Error?

Our firm specializes in real estate and property law since 2008. Our experienced attorneys have deep expertise in land registry corrections, land registry office proceedings, litigation in courts, and managing complex disputes over property registration. We represent property owners, buyers, sellers, and companies in sensitive and complex land registry correction processes.

Our Advantages:

• Deep Experience: Many years of expertise in real estate law, land registry corrections, and litigation in courts.
• Personal and Dedicated Service: Every client is important to us, and we dedicate our full time and attention to each case.
• Free Initial Consultation: We offer a complimentary initial consultation in which we examine the error, explain its implications, and plan a legal strategy.
• Located Near the Land Registry Office: Our firm has offices in Ramat Gan and Petach Tikva, near the land registry office, allowing us to handle matters at lower costs and with greater efficiency.
• Representing All Parties in Real Estate Law: In real estate law, we represent all parties, which allows us to be focused on protecting the rights of property owners and buyers.

If you are facing a land registry error, we are here to help. Schedule your free initial consultation today and let's discuss your case, the ways to correct it, and the expected costs.