We are buying a house built in 1928, the old chap has lived there for 50 years and the deeds, it turns out, have been lost. We might have to re-register the place with he Land Registry. Anybody had a similar experience and if so, how long does it take? Thanks.

First thing I’d do is check on-line whether it’s already on the land registary database (costs a small amount). If it’s there, relax. If not, let your solicitor sort it out.

Possesion of Deeds no longer conveys ownership, so lost deeds is no big deal. Landy registry will just issue a new one.