Strip of land with new build not ours

moneyistooshorttomention

lincroft1710 wrote: »

It isn't really a boundary dispute as the builders acknowledge that the land appears to belong to the OP.

Only "technically" speaking and not in real actual fact so to say. The builders are the real owner - and I wouldnt want a real owner breathing down my neck about my nicked bit of land personally. If only out of sheer self-preservation.

Enlighted self-interest would dictate I would be very well aware the builder would do their absolute damndest never ever to do anything that would help me in the slightest (and betcha the house is still within the 10 year NHBC guarantee period).

lincroft1710

No "technically speaking" and no not in real actual fact. THE OP OWNS THE LAND. They didn't "nick it", it was transferred to them. Agree that it was transferred in error, but the OP did not set out to acquire this land.

The builder clucked up, it is he who has to appease the OP. If he starts being awkward, the OP can be even more awkward.

Shelldean

Is the drawing you shared from your own files or direct from the land registry website?

Because if it's your file that you obtained during the sale it will show you as not owning the slither of land because the builders never intended you to own it. IYSWIM?
However if it's from the LR site then you don't own it despite what the builder says!

And given they're being vague about why they need it I'd say it's valuable at least to them even if not to you

jimbog

Do nothing and see what happens.

Or, say something along the lines that 'any legal transaction always carries with it the risk of complications and I am unable to take the risk that your offer of £500 for legal fees would be sufficient. So, for that reason, I am unable to take this any further'.

Andy_Hamilton

Is the property leasehold? They could be about to sell the land and this could be a stumbling block.

Money_saving_maniac

I'd be inclined to say 'No'.
The land has a value to them, of whatever kind, but a limited value, which is why they are only prepared to pay up to £500 for legal fees. That offer in itself is a reason to say no - they should be willing to pay all fees in order to rectify the issues. Why should you have to bend over backwards to help them out? This really is not your problem and you owe them nothing. Plus you have leverage don't give it up!