Squatters Rights

[fbmpw]

My mother was left a property by her Aunt which has been in her family for generations. The problem is there are no deeds and no record of the property with the Land Registery. We have used several solicitors/Barristors but have had no success for the last ten years.

We are now considering the squatters rights route. The building needs to be renovated. We are considering replacing bthe windows and door to the front.

Would this be enough to qualify for Squatters rights in 12 years ?

If not what actions do constitute right to squatters rights ?

 

[j26]

PRAI Practice Direction 15 gives a decent review of the law on adverse possession. While it seems your land is unregistered, the same basic principles apply.

In general exclusive possession by a person (and/or their predecessors in title) for over 12 years is sufficient to give adverse possession, provided there are no persons under a disability (age, insanity etc) within that period. Acts of ownership (improvements etc) are evidence of ownership, but doing X work does not mean you own the property.

Its important to get proper research done to determine what interest your mothers aunt was squatting against, as if squatting on a leasehold interest on unregistered land, the Statute of Limitations doesn't apply (although it MAY be considered in family situations).

 

[FKH]

It sounds like you could already make an application for adverse possession as your mother and her predecessors in title have been in exclusive occupation for many years