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You are here: Home > Transport and Streets > Roads and Streets > Street Naming and Numbering > Adding or changing a property name

Adding or changing a property name

This section will help you find out more about the property naming process

Many people think that the Royal Mail creates postal addresses, and that property owners do not need to tell anyone if they name a property. 

In fact it is the job of your local Council to create and maintain all addresses within the Borough and it is our job to make sure that the statutory authorities, eg: Emergency Services, HM Land Registry, Royal Mail, utility companies, etc are kept informed of all address changes.

If you would like to add a house name to your address or change a name that already exists, you need to put a request in writing to the Address and Gazetteer Officer at the Town Hall or email address.queries@reigate-banstead.gov.uk  

We then check with the Royal Mail to make sure that the name isn’t already being used by anyone else in the area. Once the name has been agreed we will write to you to confirm that you can start using it as part of your address. You must ensure that the name is clearly displayed and visible from the road.

This information is sent at the end of every month to all the statutory authorities. This means that it shouldn’t take any longer than a month to get your address updated.

Some frequently asked questions

Q: Does it cost me anything to add or change a property name?  A: No. This service is provided free of charge by us.

Q: If I give my house a name, does this mean I can drop the house number?  A: No. Once a property has been issued a number then it will always form part of the address.

Q: Can I choose any name I like?  A: Yes. The only time a name will be refused is if it is likely to cause offence or if someone else is already using the name in the local area.

Q: What happens if my choice of name is refused?  A: Simply think of another name and let us know.

Q: Why do I have to tell the council that I’ve named my property?  A: As the addressing authority for the Borough, if we aren’t told about an address change then we cannot inform the people who need to know. This could cause problems in locating you, for example in the case of a fire, police or ambulance emergency call out.