Why we carefully check property covenants for you
Buying a home is exciting—but it also comes with legal details that can affect how you use your property. One of the most important things we check for you is something called “covenants” in the property’s title deeds.
What are property covenants?
Covenants are legal rules attached to a property. They can either:
Restrict what you can do (restrictive covenants), such as:
– No building extensions without permission
– No running a business from home
– No parking certain vehicles
– No changes to the outside appearance
– No keeping certain animals
Or, they can require you to do something (positive covenants), like:
– Maintaining a shared fence or wall
– Paying towards the upkeep of a shared driveway
How can a solicitor help protect you in the conveyancing process
Our conveyancing team takes these rules seriously. Here’s how we make sure you’re protected:
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Thorough property title checks
We carefully review the property’s title deeds to identify any covenants that could affect your plans—whether it’s building an extension, keeping pets, or running a business from home.
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Clear, practical legal advice
We don’t just point out legal terms—we explain what they mean in plain English. You’ll understand exactly how a covenant might affect your use of the property, and what your options are.
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Covenant breach investigation
If there’s evidence that a covenant has already been broken (by a previous owner, for example), we’ll investigate and advise you on any risks or liabilities you might inherit.
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Indemnity insurance
If there’s a risk that a covenant might be enforced—even if it hasn’t been for years—we may recommend indemnity insurance. This is a one-off policy that protects you financially if someone tries to enforce a covenant in the future. It can cover:
– Legal costs if a dispute arises
– Compensation or settlement payments
– Loss in property value due to enforcement
As solicitors we will assess whether insurance is appropriate
– Recommend a suitable policy
– Arrange the cover for you
– Ensure it meets your mortgage lender’s requirements
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Support for Future Sales
We make sure all covenants are properly disclosed and understood, so you don’t face delays or renegotiations should you decide to sell.
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Planning vs. Covenant Compliance
We’ll explain the difference between planning permission and covenant restrictions—because getting planning approval doesn’t mean you’re free to ignore covenants.
Real-Life examples of how covenants can work against you
– A homeowner paved over their front garden for parking—only to find out it was against a covenant. They had to remove it and pay legal fees.
– A buyer planned to run an Airbnb, but a covenant banned commercial use. The plan fell through.
Covenants aren’t just legal jargon—they can affect your everyday life as a homeowner. Our job is to make sure you understand them and feel confident in your purchase. From the first title check to arranging insurance and explaining your rights, we’re here to protect your investment every step of the way.
This article was brought to you by Kidd Rapinet’s conveyancing solicitors. You can book an appointment with any of the conveyancing lawyers across our offices in Aylesbury, Canary Wharf, Farnham, High Wycombe, Maidenhead or Slough, using the form provided.
These materials and content have been prepared for the benefit of their viewers/readers. They are intended for marketing purposes only and are of a general nature and do not constitute legal advice applicable to any particular facts or circumstances. Kidd Rapinet LLP and/or the author(s) accept no duty of care, responsibility or liability for any loss or damage which you or any third party may suffer as a result of any reliance or use by you or them of these marketing materials and content, except to the extent it is not legally possible to exclude such liability. If you require legal advice on your own situation, please contact us so we can discuss how we may assist.