Common Areas - Sift Instructions

A common area is an area which is owned jointly by multiple properties. For example:

  • A modern housing development might include a play area which is owned in common by all of the houses in the development.
  • A row of garages or lock-ups might include a common forecourt which is jointly owned by all of the garage owners.
  • If a large house is converted into flats, each flat might jointly own a share of the garden ground.

How will I recognise common areas?

The application form contains a question relating to common areas. The question will be answered “yes”. If the other subjects are in the land register, the agent will usually also include a note of the title numbers.

What else do I need to know?

There’s no need to make any further checks. Solicitors often answer “no” to the common areas question, even when the application includes common areas. If so, legal/plans settlers will identify the common areas at a later stage.


 Form examples





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Registers of Scotland (RoS) seeks to ensure that the information published in the 2012 Act Registration Manual is up to date and accurate but it may be amended from time to time.
The Manual is an internal document intended for RoS staff only. The information in the Manual does not constitute legal or professional advice and RoS cannot accept any liability for actions arising from its use.
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