
Can I Name My House
Find out how to name your house in the UK, with clear guidance on legal approval, local council rules and how to make it official
Can I Name My House
Giving your home a name can be a deeply personal decision. Whether it is to reflect the building’s history, embrace a picturesque location or simply express a bit of character, naming your house adds charm and identity. Many homeowners choose to name their property to create a sense of individuality, especially in rural or period homes where names often replace numbers. But while it might seem as simple as picking something you like, there are formalities to consider before a name becomes part of your legal address.
In this article, we explore whether you can name your house in the UK, the rules you need to follow, how to make the change official and what impact it may have. Whether you are renaming an old cottage or giving a newly built home its first identity, this guide outlines everything you need to know.
Can You Name a House in the UK?
Yes, you can name your house in the UK, provided it meets local authority guidelines and does not conflict with existing properties. In many areas, particularly rural locations or private estates, properties have names instead of numbers. If your home already has a name or you want to add one, you are generally free to do so, as long as the new name is not misleading, offensive or already in use nearby.
If your house has a number and you wish to add a name, you can usually do this without removing the number. In fact, the local council and Royal Mail will usually require the number to remain as the primary identifier. This ensures consistency for deliveries, emergency services and public records.
If your property has no number and is identified solely by name, changing that name becomes a more formal process, and approval from your local council is required to update the address officially.
Why Name Your House?
People choose to name their homes for many reasons. It might be to reflect local heritage, commemorate a family name or add a sense of personality. A well-chosen name can also give a property more charm or status, particularly when selling. In some cases, developers or self-builders will name properties to create a brand or cohesive identity within a new development.
Some homeowners use naming to mark significant life events, such as retirement, inheritance or marriage. Others want to move away from a dated or inappropriate name. Regardless of the reason, a thoughtful and distinctive house name can become part of the home’s story and appeal.
What Are the Rules for Naming a House?
Although you can choose almost any name you like, it must comply with local authority guidelines. Councils may reject names that are already in use locally or that cause confusion with emergency services or postal systems. Names that contain offensive language, suggest commercial use or appear to imitate public services are usually not allowed.
Your chosen name should be unique within the local area. Before applying, it is advisable to check with your local council or use mapping tools to confirm whether the name is already in use. Some councils publish guidance or lists of naming conventions on their websites. If your property is listed or in a conservation area, extra checks may be needed, particularly if signage is involved.
The name should also be easy to spell and pronounce, as it will be used in official records, navigation systems and service databases.
How Do You Make It Official?
If your property already has a number and you wish to add a name, you can usually do this informally. However, to ensure it appears on the council tax register and Royal Mail’s address database, it is best to notify your local council. They will update their systems and inform relevant services. The number will remain as the official part of the address, but the name can be included on correspondence.
If your house does not have a number and you want to change or add a name, you will need to submit a formal request to your local authority’s street naming and numbering department. This usually involves completing a form, proposing a new name and paying a fee. The council will review the name, check for conflicts and confirm whether it is accepted.
Once approved, the new name will be added to the official property register and passed to Royal Mail and emergency services. You may then update your documents, signage and notify utility providers, financial institutions and other organisations that hold your address.
Costs and Timescales
Most councils charge a small fee for processing a house name change, especially if it replaces the primary identifier in an address. Fees typically range from thirty to one hundred and fifty pounds, depending on the council and the complexity of the request. The process usually takes between two and six weeks, although some areas may be quicker.
If the house name is being added to an existing numbered address, there may be no charge, but this varies by local policy. You should also allow time to update your records and notify service providers once the change is confirmed.
Legal and Practical Considerations
Once a house name is accepted and registered, it becomes part of the official address. This means it will appear in public records, property searches and council databases. If you later decide to sell or remortgage the property, the house name will appear in title deeds and legal correspondence.
You are not allowed to use a name that could imply a link to government departments, emergency services or royalty. Names that suggest commercial use, such as “The Surgery” or “The Bank”, may be rejected unless the building has a verified business use.
It is also important to use the full and correct version of the address when registering for services, especially where matching systems are used. Using only the name and omitting the number or postcode may cause delays in deliveries or miscommunication with insurers and financial institutions.
Does Naming a House Add Value?
Naming a house does not guarantee a higher market value, but it can influence buyer perception and help a property stand out. A well-chosen name can make a home feel more memorable or desirable, especially in countryside areas or within premium developments. For some buyers, names evoke character, history or lifestyle aspirations, which can positively affect decision making.
However, the effect depends on context. A name that feels out of place or overly pretentious may have the opposite effect. If you are naming a house with future resale in mind, it is worth choosing something appealing but tasteful, with a clear connection to the property’s style or setting.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can name your house in the UK, and for many homeowners, it is a way to bring a personal touch to their property. While the process is often simple, it must be done correctly to ensure the name is officially recognised and accepted by your local authority. Whether you are restoring a traditional name, choosing something brand new or updating an inherited address, a house name can become a meaningful and enduring part of your home’s identity.