How do I go about making an offer for a piece of land which isn't for sale?

[Besom]

Behind my own garden is a small piece of land which appears derelict (10 foot weeds which give the elderly neighbour palpitations). I have never seen anybody in there in the five years I've lived here, although apparently at some point prior to that it was filled with gravel chips. It would make a nice extension to my garden.

Assumming I can find out from land registry who owns it - nobody round here seems to know - should I get a surveyor or someone to tell me what it's worth or should I just make up a figure in my head and punt it to them? Would I need a soclicitor?

Would welcome any thoughts.

If you can find the owner - and good luck with that - then I personally would get it valued by an estate agent or land surveyor. Also check with your local planning office whether the land is designated as domestic or agricultural. If agricultural then theoretically you wouldn't be able to garden it or build on it so that will dramatically affect the value. Theoretically you could do a DIY conveyance. Before getting it valued decide what it's worth to you/how much you are prepared to pay for it and make a very low offer first time round anyway.

purplewithred - thank you for this advice. It is in the middle of houses and gardens in a city centre so not agricultural at all I don't think.

Do you happen to know what I could do if we can't find who owns it? Apart from anything else it is completly overgrown and starting to encroach on our garden and the neighbours. Would I then approach the council?

You could always fence it off as part of your garden. After 12 years you would own it.