<P> The definition of land can include the buildings situated upon the land, particularly where parts of buildings at different levels (such as flats) are in different ownership . It is also possible to register the ownership of the mines and minerals which lie within the ground, as well as airspace above property where this is in separate ownership . </P> <P> HM Land Registry receives no government funding, being required to ensure that its income covers expenditure, and finances itself from registration and search fees . It provides online access to its database of titles (ownership and charges or interests by other parties) and most plans (maps). People need to pay a fee to access some information . </P> <P> Property owners whose property is not registered can make voluntary applications for registration . As of March 2016, there are 24.5 million registered titles representing 88% of the land mass of England and Wales . Registration of land under the Land Registration Act 2002 affords property owners some protection against squatters as well as avoiding the need to produce old documents each time a property changes hands . </P> <P> According to HM Land Registry: </P>

Where are most official documents relating to ownership of land stored