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How to find out who owns a semi-derelict house?

13 replies

WhatDidISayAlan · 21/11/2021 00:31

Had a few days in the Lakes last week. On the way to start a fell walk we drove past a tiny house that had obviously seen better days. It was basically a one-up, one-down stone cottage, with a lean-to which had the door missing off it. Old caravan in the garden, car attached with front windscreen stove in. Walls look sound but no idea of the condition. Suspect the owner may have died, and nobody has dealt with the estate.

I know it has electricity as the lean-to had a washer and dryer in it. It was on a tiny lane, really in the sticks in the central Lakes, with the most incredible views. No idea about internet - there is a farm the other end of the lane, so possibly available. I have a pipe dream of buying it and renovating, using as a second home for a couple of years before selling to to a local with a restrictive covenant on it! (I work in the housing industry public sector and this is the only way I can square it in my head without being hypocritical about second home owners - it would be perfect for a mountain leader or park ranger eventually). We did call at the farm to see if they knew who owned it but the area was doing a Gathering, where they bring the sheep off the fells, so there was nobody about, and we are now home in the north west. Is there any way of finding out who owns it? I can’t even find an address for it - I only have a grid reference from an OS map.

OP posts:
Sh05 · 21/11/2021 00:36

Land registry maybe?
You might have to pay a small fee but give it a try

Avarua · 21/11/2021 00:43

Ask the publican at the local pub. They might know.

chloechloe · 21/11/2021 18:42

You can do a Land Registry search for the title number and then order the Official Copy which will have the owners name on (assuming the title is registered that is).

Iloveacurry · 21/11/2021 18:44

Land Registry. It costs £3 I think.

Xfox · 21/11/2021 22:18

Yes, Land Registry - you can search by map so don't need the exact adress.

AsleepOnTheTrain · 21/11/2021 22:22

Exciting!! Let us know!!

BluebelllsRosesDaffodills · 21/11/2021 22:24

Land registry is not £3, btw.

Cost me about £30 when I used it.

Youaremypenguin · 21/11/2021 22:30

If it shows as unregistered this is not the same as unowned! You will need to start asking the locals. Established local Farmers will be a good place to start.

JackieCollinshasnoauthority · 21/11/2021 22:32

It's £3 online.

WhatDidISayAlan · 22/11/2021 11:39

Thanks for all the feedback - will do some more digging, and I think we may have to do a diversion the next time we go up in a month or so. I've done nothing but think about it all weekend!

OP posts:
Daisydoesnt · 22/11/2021 12:46

local pub, local shop, postman!

WhatDidISayAlan · 22/11/2021 13:30

Found the actual address, and from there found the Land Registry and now have a name :-) - thanks all for suggestions. No trail at all on the internet - could have died, or gone in a home, but I think another trip up there to enquire to the locals would be helpful. Could be a pie in the sky idea; I'd have to sell my house and downsize (no great sacrifice) to fund it, but it's definitely worth looking into :-)

OP posts:
MinnieMountain · 22/11/2021 15:15

Then you used the wrong website @BluebelllsRosesDaffodills.

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