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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Part of outdoor space that isn’t on the deeds

8 replies

Smedandsmoo · 25/03/2023 08:03

We bought our house 5 years ago. At the time we were told there was a piece of land above our yard backing onto the field that didn’t belong to us or our neighbour. It actually held up the buying process, because the deeds weren’t clear who it belongs to. The access is via next door. However, it seems to belong to the farmer who owns the field and hillside behind (his sheep use it to graze).

The old neighbours moved out a year and a half ago and then the new neighbours moved in. They have been doing lots to their outside area and I mean lots, the previous owners were there 15 years and didn’t do anything like this amount. I’m assuming they have more money and time (and they don’t have kids!) they’ve started to use the part above us, planting trees, plants etc.

As it doesn’t ‘belong’ to either of us, I don’t know what we can do, probably nothing. I wouldn’t have minded using that spot for a vegetable patch as it’s an ideal place. But I never did, because I wasn’t sure who it belonged to (again, now I know it’s the farmer). But I felt awkward about it when the previous neighbours had been there for 15 years.

Has anyone else been in a similar situation? We’ve hardly got any outdoor space as it is, it would be nice to have somewhere to grow things, but it’s not like we can say “that’s our space” because it isn’t. And if we both leave it, it’s just a wasted piece of land which is full of weeds and just looks ugly. So I really don’t know what the answer is. They’re fairly nice and friendly people and I don’t want there to end up being bad feeling.

OP posts:
Crimblecrumble1990 · 25/03/2023 08:24

Well they are in the wrong for using it but it doesn't seem like a big deal. They will probably get found out at some point and the land claimed back.

You sound a little jealous to be honest. Perfectly normal reaction but really not your neighbours problem.

Not sure what the fact they have money and are childless has to do with it!

Maybe you can befriend them and drop in conversation that the land isn't theirs? So they know you know sort of thing if that would give you more peace of mind..?

mondaytosunday · 25/03/2023 08:25

I don't understand- when did you find out it belongs to the farmer and maybe they have reached an agreement with him or even bought it off him? If you found out during the buying process that was the time to approach him if you wanted it for yourself. Or do you think the neighbours are just helping themselves to it? They'd have to wait something like 7 plus years to try and claim it.
Why not start a friendly conversation when out there and say 'goodness you are doing a lot of landscaping! Looks great! I thought that bit of land belonged to the farmer, have you bought it'? Perfectly reasonable question and you will have your answer.

Valeriekat · 25/03/2023 09:07

Adverse possession! Let the farmer know.

malmi · 25/03/2023 09:15

I would say YABU

Greentree1 · 25/03/2023 11:38

Maybe they bought the land? Or asked permission from the farmer? Ask them. You could say you were told it belonged to the farmer, just telling them so they don't spend a lot of money and then get it re-possessed. Can you look at their deeds on Land Registry to see what land is included.

QuillBill · 25/03/2023 11:42

You don't know it belongs to the farmer it's just an assumption as his sheep grazing on it.

How could you have used it to grow vegetables if the access is from the next doors property?

I've got a strip of land at the bottom of my garden that isn't on my deeds or my neighbours. It doesn't seem to belong to anybody!

LondonPretty · 25/03/2023 11:56

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Yesthatismychildsigh · 25/03/2023 12:48

All you know, and all you need to know, is that it’s not yours. It doesn’t affect you in any way, so just butt out.

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