In 44% of cases, representing c£190bn of property, the real human owner (the “beneficial owner”) is hidden, despite the law requiring disclosure. In some cases the overseas property owners are taking a legally correct or at least defensible position. The beneficial owner is stated to be Apex Consolidation Entity Ltd, a UK company which claims it has no beneficial owners itself. It appears to be concealing its true beneficial owner – probably unlawfully, it declares a BVI company as its beneficial owner (plus a Cyprus trustee company). We have told HM Land Registry that we will comply with the licence terms so far as they are lawful.

Source: The Times January 30, 2026 10:57 UTC