Finding owner of old abandoned house

sKiTz-0

Hi all,

In my quest to buy myself a house, I have come across a place that looks as though it has been abandoned for a good few years.

I had a quick look around it the other day and couldn't see a house number, though on some of the outbuildings there were a couple of signs for an old company that used to be there.

So, I signed up to the land registry website, did a map search, and the register shows that the local council owns the land which the house is on, and indeed shows the name of a person who's company it was giving them the land via a deed of grant in 1949!!

What I need to know now is how do I approach the council to ask if they are willing to sell the land?

Has anybody done this kind of thing before at all?

The only thing that is strange is that it doesn't look like it's been overgrowing for 50 years, and a quick look on google streetview shows a truck parked in the driveway!

It's all really strange.

Thanks in advance for any help/info at all.

sKiTz-0

Actually, I'm not sure of that.

Here is a copy of the bottom section with names blanked out. The top sheet of paper lists the local council as registered owner.


C: Charges Register
This register contains any charges and other matters
that affect the land.
1 (02.06.2006) The land is subject to rights of drainage and rights
in respect of water, gas and electricity together with ancillary
rights of entry for the purpose of inspection, maintenance and
repair of any party structure or thing.
2 (02.06.2006) The footpaths and any driveways, accessways, common
areas, passageways and parking areas are subject to rights of way
and user.
3 (02.06.2006) The land is subject to the rights granted by a Deed
of Grant dated 21 May 1949 made between (1) The Mayor Aldermen and
Burgesses of the Borough of Tellytubbyland and (2) Mr Biggles.
NOTE: Copy filed.

jumblejulia

Hiya,

The 'Empty Homes Agency' will be able to give you some advice. I called them up about a year ago with regards to an abandoned building and they were really helpful.

Local Councils normally have someone in charge of empty houses. Just call them up and ask for the right person and hopefully they'll be able to tell you what the situation is with that particular property.

Hope this helps.

sKiTz-0

Thanks,

I'll give them both a try. I managed to find contact details for the land department at the local council offices. That particular site wasn't advertised as for sale though on their website.

Seeing as though it's been sat for 60 years though I'd like to think they'll want to sell it.

Fire_Fox

I would suggest you need legal advice! You will need to appoint a conveyancing solicitor anyway, I would run anything you don't understand passed him in the first instance. There is only one qualified solicitor that posts on this board, the rest of us really don't know much more than you.

Wig

I believe if it is owned by the council you can force them to redevelop it or sell it, I think you need the approval of the secretary of state or some similar office. "forcing the sale Empty homes in the ownership of local authorities"

Wig

Here you go
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6164644.stm


Still not developed - how disgusting, drive down Prescot Rd (the main road round the corner) on google and the whole area is full of steel shutters.
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=20+prescot+road,+Liverpool&sll=53.416773,-2.955841&sspn=0.039082,0.077162&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=20+Prescot+Rd,+Liverpool+L7+0,+United+Kingdom&ll=53.41498,-2.933135&spn=0.009771,0.01929&z=16&layer=c&cbll=53.415,-2.932957&panoid=Tqs5Geuw52gEBPlic-MDcw&cbp=12,154.45,,0,-2.35

http://www.houseprices.co.uk/e.php?q=prescot+drive+liverpool

tf0401

Anyone know if theres a system for "Empty Homes" in Scotland? I have a similar problem but the hooose is in Scotland

Fire_Fox

Wig wrote: »

Here you go
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6164644.stm

Still not developed - how disgusting, drive down Prescot Rd (the main road round the corner) on google and the whole area is full of steel shutters.

What happened to the houses in the end
http://louisebaldock.blogspot.com/2008/12/total-betrayal-its-all-over-for-prescot.html
http://louisebaldock.blogspot.com/2009/09/newsham-park-steering-group.html

sKiTz-0

Putting it on the market though may mean that somebody else gets their hands on the property. Or worse still, the council could just decide to use it for redevelopment and knock the place down. I'm thinking the best way to start this off would be to approach the council and ask if they wish to sell it to me.

I wonder what state the inside of the building is in if it really hasn't been lived in for 50 years though? I really could do with a closer look.

withabix

If the property is owned by a local authority, if they wish to sell it, they will have to do so on the open market or at auction.

They will have to advertise the property, normally in the local press.

Councils often sell property by Sealed Bids or at auction, because that avoids any potential for corruption.