Misspelled Name in the Title - Can we still exchange and complete?

VitalSigns

Hi, I am in a chain and very close to setting an exchange date. My solicitor has found that one of the sellers first name is misspelled on the title (missing one alphabet) and also that the same seller has added a middle name last year by a deed poll, which is also missing on the title. My solicitor has asked the sellers solicitor to get this changed before exchange can take place. My question is that is it a legal requirement to have the correct name on the title before exchange can take place (in this case, only one of the names is mis-spelled and missing a middle name)? Or can we exchange and complete regardless as the title registry will be on my name once we complete anyway?

davidmcn

No, it sounds fairly trivial to me, unless there's genuine concern that it's actually a different person. And if the owner's name changed after their title was registered, there's no need to re-register it with the new name, you just use the deed poll (or marriage certificate etc) as evidence of their change of name during the sale.

TripleH

It is frustrating and arguably something the seller should havebpointed out themselves. Worryingly quite common. A friend of ours had to point out 3 times an incorrect name spelling on his contract (and that was the least of the errors he found with his solicitor's  efforts.

VitalSigns

thanks for your replies. Spoke to my solicitor again and they are adamant that its in the best interest of both parties to correct the title before we progress with exchanges. How long does it take to get this done with LR? I am aware that an application is sent already and also expedited it by their solicitors. 

TBagpuss

The mis-spelling on the title is more of an issue than the name change. It is normal to get it corrected before the transfer takes place (so reasonable to delay exchange, to ensure that it is sorted before completion) Your solicitor should be able to tell you how long it is likely to take .

The change of middle name should be no problem as long as you have a certified copy of the change of name deed. so that there is a paper trail showing it is the same person - it's similar to someone having changed their name on marriage or divorce