Changing the name of our house

[crystaltipps]

We're just about to move into a newly built house and would like to give it a name (once we can decide on one). How do we go about doing this? Who do we have to ask/notify to enable this to be done. I've looked on the post office website but can't find anything.

Thanks

 Sarah

[kempie]

The general rule for naming your home is as follows: If your property has been designated a number by your council,  you must display the house number clearly within the boundary of the property and always use the house number in your address line. You can then also choose to use any house name you like without notifying the council or the post office as long as you use your house number in your address line.
For example if your house number is 20 and you decide to name your house 'The Laurels', the address line should always be as follows:

The Laurels
20 Anywhere Street,
Anywhere Town
Anyshire
AB12 3CD

It is only if your property already has an existing house name and no house number and you wish to change the name of the property that permission must be sought from the appropriate department at your local Council offices and Post Office. You will need to notify  your local council and the post office of your intention of changing the house name in writing before you can use the new house name for your address.

[jake-the-peg]

Why do you want to do this?

[brassmonkey]

I agree with Jake,  don't you think that naming a new house is rather 'wannabee posh'?

[crystaltipps]

Thanks Kempie - that's useful, and just the way I thought this site was meant to operate.

Not really sure what jake-the-peg and brassmonkey think they are adding here other than just being unneccesarily inflammatory. What on earth has it got to do with you why I want to name my house? If you can't answer the question then may I respectfully suggest that you butt out!

[woofgang]

I agree crystaltipps, name your house if you want to, I am certainly going to name the one that I retire to. I hope that you and Alastair will be very happy there.

[derekpara]

Hear, Hear, crystal . There's too much of this finger pointing on AB at the moment.

[jake-the-peg]

I think Brass Monkey has been being putting words in my mouth here.

Actually I have thought of this myself because due to an accident of some time I live in one of two houses numbered 6 in my street - I wondered if you too had a practical reason

[Mrs_Pegasus]

When we bought our newly built house we had a ridiculous house name!  I contacted the solicitor and they said that before the house is registered with the land registry we could change the name.  We chose a name but had to check with the POffice to make sure we werent naming it the same name has a house in the postcode, we werent so when the house was registered with the LR it carried our name and not that of the builder.

[hugnie21]

It is your post office and your council that you have to inform. But the way to do it is apply to your local council who will then confer with the post office, which takes some time. I previously worked for my local council doing just that.

You are often only allowed to name it if you still include the house number on all correspondence. And if you don't include the number, except to always have problems with deliveries etc as no one will ever be able to find it!