Would you do this?

[jampot]

I am looking for a house to do up and sell on for profit but not to live in. One of dh's clients lives next door to a house which is perfect for us and to cap it all the owners have done a bunk. So, having done a search at HM Land Registry to obtain details of the mortgage company and other title information (they have owned it since 1977) I approached the mortgage company who cannot say whether it will be repossessed. The title information also gives a c/o address for when they purchased the property. Having searched the details of that property I find that there is still someone living there by the same surname (possibly mother?). Would it be immoral to write to that address to enquire about their wish to sell the property privately?

I don't see why it would be immoral - it's not like you've been underhand in obtaining the contact info. Prof property developers must do this all the time. Go for it - they can only say no after all.

any other views before I do a letter?

I agree with franke - go for it.

There's nothing wrong with approaching them at all - the HMLR info is a matter of public record after all. If they have done a bunk then they'll be desparate to sell - you may be doing them a massive favour as repossessions very rarely go for anything like the true value of the property. If they won't sell then just sit back and wait for the house to be repossessed and snap it up then.

It's a bit of a win win situation for you and good for you for having the initiative to be so proactive.