Iii

rach_k

Just ask, they are very unlikely to mind.  If they say no now, ask them if they'd give you first refusal if they ever decide to sell.  If they're getting on a bit, that may be sooner than they expect!  Make sure you mention that you're willing to pay market rate so they know you're not trying it on.  

Slithery

pbhb said:

I don’t want them to find me rude by asking

One thing is definite. If you don't ask them then you'll never be able to buy it.

Mickey666

rach_k said:

Just ask, they are very unlikely to mind.  If they say no now, ask them if they'd give you first refusal if they ever decide to sell.  If they're getting on a bit, that may be sooner than they expect!  Make sure you mention that you're willing to pay market rate so they know you're not trying it on.  

It's very unlikely that there is a 'market rate'.  For a start, such a specific patch of land is likely to be of zero value to most people.  It will only have any value to a neighbouring property, such as the OP, so the 'market' is tiny and there will be no other examples in the area to act as a price guideline.

One possibility is to ask an estate agent how much the OPs property would be increased in value if the patch of land was purchased and added to their own garden.  The problem with this approach is that small area of land is likely to have no effect on the OPs overall property value, but of course that doesn't mean it has no value to the OP.  It's also not a great bargaining position when trying to persuade someone to sell you a bit of land - "I don't want to offer more than £100 because my EA says it is essentially worthless".

Basically, the OP must decide how much they are prepared to pay for the patch of land in question - just like when purchasing any house really - except that in this case if the OP 'walks away' they won't find another suitable patch of land anywhere else.  In that respect, this particular patch of land is absolutely unique . . . . which means it will command a decent price.

SDLT_Geek

pbhb said:
I recently completed on a cottage, the downside is the access into the house on a narrow strip between two grass verges.

The narrow strip of land into my garden is not owned by me, the right of way was purchased over it around 10 years ago, this right-of-way lasts for around 60 more years.

There is a grass verge next to this narrow strip of land that I use to get to my property. It belongs to a house up the lane who does not have their own parking so they purchased land next to my house to park their cars. Between where they park their cars and the piece of land in which I drive over, there is a grass verge around 3.5m wide. 

To be able to do what I want in my garden I really would like to buy the grass verge that belongs to them and use that as parking. This would also mean there is no right of way issue in years to come as the parking spot would be owned out right by the owner of my property. 
 
My comment: So let us address the elephant in the room.  Will buying an area of grass verge solve the problem that the right of way to your property runs out in 60 years time?

Jeepers_Creepers

Pbhb, what'll happen in 60 years' time? Will there be any other way to access your home?!

Apart from keeping that grassy section mowed, what benefit does the owner get from it - do they use it for access or anything else? Or is it simply an adjunct to the parking area they bought?

"Their garden adjoins the bottom of my garden. To be able to do what I want in my garden I really would like to buy the grass verge that belongs to them and use that as parking. This would also mean there is no right of way issue in years to come as the parking spot would be owned out right by the owner of my property. Is this something I can approach my neighbours about? I am happy to pay a good price for it as it would be extremely valuable to me and I Believe it would be valuable when I come to sell the property as there would be no access issues. As I said, I am happy to pay a good price for the land but I would also be happy to exchange the same size piece of my garden that they can add to theirs."

So, they use and enjoy their own garden regularly? How much more attractive would their garden be with part of yours (roughly the size of that front part) added to it - do you think they'd find that idea attractive?

frogglet

Was the 60 year access bought from the same people who own the bit you want to buy?

pbhb

frogglet said:

Was the 60 year access bought from the same people who own the bit you want to buy?

No it wasn’t 

pbhb

Jeepers_Creepers said:

Pbhb, what'll happen in 60 years' time? Will there be any other way to access your home?!

Apart from keeping that grassy section mowed, what benefit does the owner get from it - do they use it for access or anything else? Or is it simply an adjunct to the parking area they bought?

"Their garden adjoins the bottom of my garden. To be able to do what I want in my garden I really would like to buy the grass verge that belongs to them and use that as parking. This would also mean there is no right of way issue in years to come as the parking spot would be owned out right by the owner of my property. Is this something I can approach my neighbours about? I am happy to pay a good price for it as it would be extremely valuable to me and I Believe it would be valuable when I come to sell the property as there would be no access issues. As I said, I am happy to pay a good price for the land but I would also be happy to exchange the same size piece of my garden that they can add to theirs."

So, they use and enjoy their own garden regularly? How much more attractive would their garden be with part of yours (roughly the size of that front part) added to it - do you think they'd find that idea attractive?

The grass verge is simply next to their shed and parking space, their garden is on the other side. It bears no impact on their access at all. I’m not sure what benefit it provides them or anyone who wanted to buy their property really

They spend a lot of time in the garden and I can see into it from mine, it’s beautifully laid out with flower beds and a vegetable patch, I see them in there often even though the weather is rubbish at the moment!

pbhb

SDLT_Geek said:

pbhb said:
I recently completed on a cottage, the downside is the access into the house on a narrow strip between two grass verges.

The narrow strip of land into my garden is not owned by me, the right of way was purchased over it around 10 years ago, this right-of-way lasts for around 60 more years.

There is a grass verge next to this narrow strip of land that I use to get to my property. It belongs to a house up the lane who does not have their own parking so they purchased land next to my house to park their cars. Between where they park their cars and the piece of land in which I drive over, there is a grass verge around 3.5m wide. 

To be able to do what I want in my garden I really would like to buy the grass verge that belongs to them and use that as parking. This would also mean there is no right of way issue in years to come as the parking spot would be owned out right by the owner of my property. 
 
My comment: So let us address the elephant in the room.  Will buying an area of grass verge solve the problem that the right of way to your property runs out in 60 years time?

No, the grass verge will provide me with a double parking space without having to navigate the narrow piece of road I use now and will mean my garden can become garden instead of parking and a turning spot. The right of way is over a shared parking area that is owned by two people. It’s all a bit confusing! 

NameUnavailable

greatcrested said:

I'm no fan of upside down cake myself.

(and especially not tinned pineapple!)

Terrible invention. Probably one of Fanny Craddocks!