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Original poster

Tracking property owners down

19 replies

WelshMoth · 17/04/2020 15:16

Is anyone able to advise me?
I've got my eye on an abandoned property (long derelict) local to me. It's probably just a pipe dream but I'd like to see if the person who owns the plot is willing to sell it. I've managed to find the Title number and the name of the owner, but they are no longer living at the registered address (in another town). I'm drawing a blank. There's been absolutely no movement on this piece of land for at least 15 years that I know of.

Any ideas? I'd really like to track the owner down to see if they're wanting to sell.

OP posts:
TDL2016 · 17/04/2020 15:25

Try going door to door around their previous address to see if anyone knows where they went?

Fleurchamp · 17/04/2020 15:26

Is it an unusual name? There are agents you can employ to trace people but obviously it's a lot easier if they are not called John Smith.
Search death or probate records to see if he/she has passed away?

Watto1 · 17/04/2020 15:29

Could you write a letter to the address they used to live at? Even though they no longer live there, they may have set up mail redirection with the post office. Or the current occupiers may have a forwarding address.

ClaudiaWankleman · 17/04/2020 15:31

Facebook and/or LinkedIn? LinkedIn probably better as people tend to list full names, sometimes including maiden names if they still use them professionally.

You could also try posting in a local Facebook group to see if anyone knows them.

Original poster
WelshMoth · 17/04/2020 15:46

Thanks everyone. Great suggestions from you all.
I sent a letter to the registered address and the current occupant (lovely lady) phoned me, apologised for opening the letter (I was glad they had) but said that they didn't have a forwarding address. They'd lived there 7 years and they bought the house from a man with a different surname so it looks like the occupant hasn't been there for a while. The plot was bought in 1988 - I forgot to say in the OP.

I'll try all these other suggestions.

I know I'm probably day dreaming, but we have savings to build and the area is lovely there.

OP posts:
Original poster
WelshMoth · 17/04/2020 15:47

It's a really common name for Wales!

OP posts:
Original poster
WelshMoth · 17/04/2020 15:49

Researching for deaths isn't free I take it?!

OP posts:
Fleurchamp · 17/04/2020 15:50

Also try the council, they may already be aware of the derelict property and may have tried to trace the owner themselves (although I think they have the power to requisition or compulsory purchase it, not necessarily help someone to buy it!)

Fleurchamp · 17/04/2020 15:53

I think you can search for a death but any copy certificates will be charged for.
Shame that it is a common name!

KoalasandRabbit · 17/04/2020 15:57

Have you sent a letter to the derelict property, mail might just be being forwarded. Or try asking at properties around it or in nearest pub. I thought of the council too though not sure what they can do.

Original poster
WelshMoth · 17/04/2020 16:11

The property is entirely demolished apart from one remaining wall. It's literally overtaken by brambles and grass - it's surrounded by a large boundary wall and the old gate is locked, covered in more metal fencing and rusted/grown over.

There are a few deaths in that name but in a different Welsh city.
I could ask around I suppose - I just don't want to pique anyone's interest in the property themselves!

Who would I ring in the council?

OP posts:
KoalasandRabbit · 17/04/2020 16:22

Maybe contact their empty homes team or housing.

MinecraftMother · 17/04/2020 16:35

Download the title from Land Registry.

filka · 18/04/2020 11:47

Who would I ring in the council?

council tax dept, if they are still working?

Does the property have an electricity line? Maybe the original electric co. for that area.

You could search for probate of a deceased persons estate for free at
probatesearch.service.gov.uk/#wills
But it's a bit of a fishing expedition if you don't know if or when the owner died and the name is common. Though my guess is that if nothing has happened at the property in such a long time then that's what has happened.

johnd2 · 18/04/2020 12:12

You used to be able to fence it off and lock the gate and if you lasted 20 years you could register as the true owner. I'm guessing even if that were possible you wouldn't want to take the risk for extended periods. Although doing that might attract the attention of the true owners which would let you make an offer, although also might Annoy them in the process!

MissLemon18 · 18/04/2020 12:23

If it's in a rural/semi rural position it's possible it's derelict because there's a restrictive covenant on it relating to who can live on land?

I know a lot of farm buildings or cottages often end up derelict because they have covenants that mean only local agricultural workers can live in them. It's very tricky to get these covenants lifted so the property ends up derelict.

Might be worth contacting DEFRA and giving address details, see if they can help? Also check the details of the land registry doc for covenants.

StrongTea · 18/04/2020 12:47

Has it got mains drainage? If not maybe a septic tank registered with
water board.

Lavendersquare · 18/04/2020 16:33

The council won't tell you if they have an address for the owner of the plot, it would be a breach of staff protection. Your best bet is as others have said by asking around. Have you tried a Facebook appeal? You might just get lucky.

Lavendersquare · 18/04/2020 16:33

That should say data protection!

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