Occupying a house

[ColinM50]

Not sure if this is the right forum or whether "homes and DIY" would be better, so mods please move it if you think so.

There's a largish property near us that's split into two two/three bed semi's. It's been empty for years and several times I've tried to find out who owns it so that I can try to buy it. All to no avail. Land registry searches are pulling up no information of any use and various notes and messages I've posted through the door over the last 18 months have generated no replies too. neighbours not much help, they're all fairly new to the area and didn't know the last occupier. Spoken to a couple of the more intelligent local estate agents and they've tried to find out too but no-one seems to know who owns it. EA says it was owned by an old chappie with no family who died 10-15 years ago, but that might just be a nice story to add to the mystery.

Recently I noticed that one of the houses was occupied so I knocked and had a chat. Seems the East European family who live there were just told to move in and do the place up. Not paying rent but they are paying lekky and water. They're very vague about who told them to move in.

So the question is pretty obvious. How do I get ownership of the other half of the house. Do I just do the same? Move in, do it up and sell it on? Anybody got any ideas?

I don't want to risk investing a few thousands and then find someone comes along and claims it's theirs, so how can I do this legally?

[anonymous-user]

Do some research on Squatting and then Adverse Possession.

Adverse Possession is not as easy as it was, but it's possible. Takes at least 12 years.

[Jasandjules]

Well, ask the Land Registry for information as to title. Then contact them to buy it. Otherwise I somewhat suspect you are squatting.

[CMYKguru]

If someone comes along to claim it the Eastern Europeans next door will plead ignorance and jump ship and probably get off without any penalty

You on the other hand being English will probably be told to assume the position.

[Sheepshanks]

How odd - if the place has been empty for many years it's hard to imagine it would be habitable without considerable work.

Wasn't there a spate of cases a while ago of people coming home to find their property occupied by an Eastern European families who'd been directed to the place by fake landlords?

[3Dee]

It is possible that the property was not registered with the Land Registry. Many still are not, especially if there has not been a charge on the property (mortgage etc) registered as the LR only started effective recording such charges around 20 years ago, and even now title registration is not compulsory.

I suspect the deeds may be lost or in some bank/ solicitors hands somewhere. I would be inclined to enquire at the local council planning dept, Council tax dept (they would have paid council tax I assume at some point), BDM registry, and even the local Probate office. Is it privately owned? Was it rented way back and the owners moved abroad? or is is a council property possible?

[Sheepshanks]

3Dee said:

...Council tax dept (they would have paid council tax I assume at some point),

I think it applies everywhere, but council tax is payable at 150% on empty property, so the council should be getting that, or if not, pursuing it. If it's not being paid, you'd expect to see notices nailed to the front door.

Councils are also supposed to work to bring empty properties back into use - they should have an empty property officer.

[pork911]

It's entirely possible the owner has an arrangement with the family who were rightly a little vague when a stranger knocked on the door asking questions about their private affairs.

[anonymous-user]

CMYKguru said:

If someone comes along to claim it the Eastern Europeans next door will plead ignorance and jump ship and probably get off without any penalty

You on the other hand being English will probably be told to assume the position.

Only took four posts to get to OMGFURRINERRRZZZ. Good to see that PH is on form.

[Timsta]

Keep in mind that the Land Registry may not be helpful. I've just completed on a 1920's house that had never been registered.

[tenpenceshort]

Breadvan72 said:

Only took four posts to get to OMGFURRINERRRZZZ. Good to see that PH is on form.

He's a colourful character, that CMYK.

[anonymous-user]

He's you, isn't he?

(or me, I forget which)

[Mr Pointy]

tenpenceshort said:

He's a colourful character, that CMYK.

Too subtle, I fear

[Sheepshanks]

Mr Pointy said:

Too subtle, I fear

Unlike BV - he should be sent on a diversity course.

[anonymous-user]

I'm happy to do the course so long as there's no northerners on it. There are limits.

[the_lone_wolf]

Mr Pointy said:

tenpenceshort said:

He's a colourful character, that CMYK.

Too subtle, I fear

Nah, saying he's a really good boy would be too subtle...

[Andy RV]

A while ago I stumbled upon part of my council websites that allowed you to register interest in empty, old or neglected properties with the view to buy and restore.

I've just done a quick google but can't find it, might be worth a look yourself?

[Andy RV]

Found it;
http://forms.cheshireeast.gov.uk/ShowForm.aspx?for...

Your council may have something similar?