Property and road naming

Registering or changing a property name

If you want to rename your property, or give a name to a new build, you need to complete a Property Naming Form. Return it to Development Management with the relevant fee and any supporting information requested on the form. You can find the application form and fee details below.

Properties in towns and villages

Properties in towns and villages are usually built on new housing land, infill land, large gardens, or the site of a demolished building. These properties will:

• Be numbered within the existing sequence where possible
• Use a letter suffix (for example, 16A) if needed
• Keep the previous number if built on the site of a demolished property

You can add a house name to your postal address, but it cannot replace the street number. The street number must always be used and displayed. This is a legal requirement under Section 97 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.

For new developments, properties are numbered as part of the Street Naming and Numbering process. This involves the developer, the local Community Council, and Royal Mail.

Properties in the countryside

In rural areas, properties are usually named rather than numbered.

What happens after you submit a Property Naming Form

Once we receive your completed form, fee, and supporting information, we will:

1. Check for duplicates. We check the proposed name against our database to make sure it is not already in use in the local area.
2. Update our address records. If approved, we add the name to the Council's Corporate Address Gazetteer, and create or update a Unique Property Reference Number (UPRN).
3. Register with Royal Mail. We contact Royal Mail to confirm the correct postcode and post town, and make sure the new name is added to their database.
4. Confirm in writing. We send you written confirmation once the name has been accepted and registered.

It is the property owner's responsibility to tell other relevant parties, such as utility companies, banks, and insurers, about the new or changed address.

Things to consider

• The name you choose must not be too similar to existing names in the immediate area. We carry out checks and can offer guidance if needed.
• If a property name has not been officially registered, it may not show up in our checks. If another owner registers the same name first, their registration takes priority.

How long does it take?

The process usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, though this can be affected by delays outside the Council's control. We recommend applying well before the property is first occupied.

Royal Mail usually update their records quickly. Other organisations, such as insurance, media, and IT companies, may take longer to reflect the change.

Royal Mail

Royal Mail issues new postcodes, but only at the Council's request.

You can check if your property is registered, or search for postcodes, on the Royal Mail website, linked below.

For enquiries or complaints about postcodes or mail delivery, contact:

Naming and numbering new developments

Developers or agents should contact Development Management as early as possible to start the road naming process. Please include:

• A plan showing the roads that need names
• Any name suggestions, with reasons for your choices

If the development includes new roads, we will consult the relevant Community Council. This can take several weeks, so early contact is advised.

Developers should not use unofficial marketing names before the Council approves the official ones. This can cause legal and administrative problems if buyers are misled by names that differ from the official address.