Neighbour stole loft space for conversion

Doozergirl

twopenny said:

"If that still makes you think that there is a problem I would then check to see if there was building control sign off with the local authority and if there was, see if you can look at the plans as that may help a little."

Just going back a bit - can you view plans online or somewhere else, especially someone elses plans under Building Control like you can with a Planning Application?

If the house goes for sale a survey may throw this up and it would be worth having an answer before getting to this stage and loosing money on a buyer dropping out.

Building Control records are not public domain, unlike planning.  

Doozergirl

twopenny said:

Flying freehold crossed my mind from the first post and more so from the photo showing the alley. Used to be a nightmare with the old cottages around here when I worked in legal stuff.
But if you have a dividing wall in an attic you would expect that to be your space legally.
My concern is the removal of that wall supporting half the roof and apex and replacing with some random pieces of what looks like softwood.
I wonder if the neighbours have even seen that side of it? Its possible they haven't as they would have had to go into that next door house and climb into the attic.

I don't think wall has been removed there.  I think the walls are there to hold the purlins only.   It's common for there not to be a fire break up there and the chimney is in a different position.  

We're going round in circles here.  Presumably the title plan is not registered and therefore nor available online from the Land Registry for £3? I worry that deeds will not be available either as solicitors don't like to keep them these days.  

Next door's title plan probably will be available online though!  

I think you could have next door's within 10 minutes if you go and look for it.  https://www.gov.uk/search-property-information-land-registry

mailmannz

DebtFreeDuo said:

Thank you for all of your help so far, I will pass this onto my parents. We had an estate agent come around to get an idea on value and whether it was worth doing the house up before selling, the house hasn't been decorated in at least 10 yeas and needs new kitchen and bathroom. She suggested to sell as is as it will likely sell better to someone looking for a rental. She also said to make sure that everything was in order and probate was at least started as the delays could put off potential buyers which is why we are a little concerned over this causing a possible delay and then losing a buyer.

You need to get probate sorted ASAP. Once that is granted there is also a 6 month wait before the administrators will sign over any assets (unless your parents indemnify them from being chased by debtors or other siblings etc). Until Probate is granted and assets signed over to the beneficiaries you cannot do anything with the property.

Which isnt all that bad because you can use that time to sort the loft out. But dont muck about with the probate. Get the estate administrators on to it ASAP.