Free tool · Companies House

Outstanding charges check

Check whether a UK company has outstanding mortgages, debentures or fixed and floating charges registered against it. Live data from the Companies House charges register.

What is a company charge?

A charge is security granted by a company over its assets in exchange for finance — typically a bank loan, invoice finance facility, or asset finance agreement. Charges must be registered at Companies House within 21 days. "Outstanding" means the lender still holds security; "satisfied" means the debt has been repaid and the charge released.

Why it matters

· Heavy secured debt reduces recoverability in insolvency
· All-asset floating charges signal a lender in first position ahead of trade creditors
· Recent charges before insolvency can be evidence of distress
· Multiple charge-holders can indicate stretched or refinanced borrowing

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