Buying a house with a Qualified title

perpetuity

I'm in the process of buying a house and have learned that it has a 'qualified' title. It's over 200 years old and the qualification relates to the fact that the original lease for the land on which it is built was not produced at first registration. The present owner bought the house in the 1970's and says the lease was for 1000 years but was destroyed long before he owned it in a fire. Has anyone had a similar experience of buying with a qualified title?, I'm aware through my solicitor that I will need title indemnity insurance and the seller has said they will provide and so I'm wondering how concerned I should be? I can still pull out quite easily but the house is special so I'd like to continue.

G_M

If the explanation is as you say, I would not be concerned.

I suppose there is a minscule risk that after 50 years someone might suddenly appear and claim a right to the property via this lease.

If that happened, indemnity insurace would (I think - check!)
a) pay for the inevitable legal battle and
b) compensate you if you lost that battle and had to move out

It would not, of course, guarantee you could remain in occupation - that would be for the courts to decide.


Up to you whether you accept those risks.