Who Owns: Complete UK Guide to Company, Domain, and Property Ownership Verification Using Companies House, WHOIS, and Land Registry.
Who Owns: UK Guide to Verifying Company Directors, Domain Registrations, and Property Ownership
- Who Owns: The Ultimate Guide to Company, Domain, and Property Ownership in the UK
- What “Who Owns” Means
- Who Owns a Company in the UK
- Who Owns a Domain? (Domain Ownership Lookup)
- Who Owns a Property in the UK
- Choosing the Right Tool for “Who Owns” Searches
- Always Know Who Owns
- FAQ: “Who Owns” Searches
Who Owns: The Ultimate Guide to Company, Domain, and Property Ownership in the UK
Understanding “Who owns” something—whether a company, a domain, or a property—is essential for business, legal, and investment decisions. Knowing ownership can prevent fraud, resolve disputes, and help you make informed choices. This guide walks you through trusted UK-specific tools and registries to uncover accurate ownership information.
What “Who Owns” Means
The phrase “Who owns” refers to identifying the legal owner or controlling party of an asset. Depending on the context, this could mean:
- Companies: The directors, shareholders, or parent entities. Resources like Who Owns Whom (WOW), an independent organization founded in 1980, provide high-quality research on business ownership, cross-directorships, foreign investments, and mergers and acquisitions.
- Domains: The registered owner of an internet domain name. The WHOIS database, regulated by ICANN, provides detailed registration data including owner names, addresses, and contact details.
- Property: The individual or legal entity listed in land registries. In South Africa, for example, property ownership can be verified via official databases linked to the Deeds Office, often accessible through services like My Deed Search.
Ownership verification is crucial for:
- Legal compliance
- Business intelligence
- Investment decisions
- Brand and property protection
By knowing who owns an asset, you minimize risks and gain clarity before entering agreements, buying domains, or investing in property.
Who Owns a Company in the UK
Using Companies House to Verify Company Directors
Companies House is the official UK government registry of companies. It provides free access to:
- Company registration details
- Director information
- Shareholder data
- Filing history and financial statements
How to check ownership:
- Go to the Companies House website.
- Search for the company by name or registration number.
- View director and shareholder information.
This data is invaluable for due diligence, legal checks, and confirming business partners.
Independent Business Ownership Databases
For more in-depth research, databases like Who Owns Whom provide:
- Cross-directorships
- Corporate ownership links
- Foreign investment details
These tools are used by investors, market analysts, and legal professionals to uncover hidden ownership structures.
Benefits of Verifying Company Ownership
- Confirm legal and financial responsibility
- Understand corporate structures for partnerships
- Avoid fraud or misrepresentation in deals
- Assist in mergers, acquisitions, or compliance audits
Who Owns a Domain? (Domain Ownership Lookup)
Understanding WHOIS in the UK
A WHOIS database contains registration details for internet domain names. It lists:
- Owner’s name and contact information
- Registration and expiration dates
- Domain registrar
Privacy services may mask some personal details, but basic ownership information is usually available via tools like Name.com WHOIS, Namecheap WHOIS, GoDaddy WHOIS, or Who.is.
Why Domain Ownership Verification Matters
- Protects your brand from impersonation or cybersquatting
- Ensures the legitimacy of domain purchases
- Helps resolve legal disputes or intellectual property claims
- Prevents fraud by verifying the real owner before a transaction
Who Owns a Property in the UK
Using the UK Land Registry
The UK Land Registry provides official records for property ownership in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. You can access:
- Owner details
- Title deeds
- Property history and charges
How to check property ownership:
- Visit the UK Land Registry website.
- Enter the property address.
- Purchase the title register (usually a small fee).
Third-Party Aggregated Property Searches
Private services often simplify the search process by aggregating data from multiple registries, similar to My Deed Search. These platforms are convenient for:
- Real estate investors
- Legal professionals
- Individuals researching property ownership quickly
Benefits of Verifying Property Ownership
- Avoid disputes over land or property claims
- Gain confidence before buying or leasing property
- Ensure legal clarity for transactions and investments
Choosing the Right Tool for “Who Owns” Searches
Different tools serve different purposes:
| Asset Type | Recommended Tool | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Company | Companies House / Who Owns Whom | Due diligence, director verification, business intelligence |
| Domain | WHOIS (Name.com, Namecheap, GoDaddy, Who.is) | Domain purchase, brand protection, dispute resolution |
| Property | UK Land Registry / Aggregated services (My Deed Search) | Legal verification, real estate investment, ownership clarity |
By choosing the right tool, you save time and ensure the accuracy of ownership data.
Always Know Who Owns
Knowing who owns an asset—be it a company, domain, or property—is essential for making informed decisions, avoiding risks, and protecting your interests. Use WhoOwns.co.uk as your trusted UK resource for ownership verification, and leverage official registries and trusted tools to access reliable data.
FAQ: “Who Owns” Searches
Q1: Who owns a company in the UK?
A: You can check via Companies House, which lists directors, shareholders, and company filings.
Q2: How can I find out who owns a domain?
A: Use WHOIS lookup services like Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Who.is to find domain registration details.
Q3: Can property ownership be checked online in the UK?
A: Yes, the UK Land Registry allows you to search and purchase property ownership records.
Q4: Are WHOIS domain records always accurate?
A: Generally yes, but some owners use privacy services that limit visible information. Basic registration data is still accessible.
Q5: Is there a cost to verify company or property ownership?
A: Company info is usually free via Companies House. Property records from the Land Registry or private services like My Deed Search may incur a small fee.
Q6: Can private ownership details be accessed legally?
A: Only through official channels like Companies House, WHOIS registrars, or land/property registries. Attempting to bypass privacy protections is illegal.
Q7: How do ownership searches help investors or businesses?
A: They provide legal clarity, prevent fraud, enable due diligence, and help make informed financial or business decisions.