Q. Our current home has been in our family for generations and I always planned that it would be passed on to my son or daughter when the time was right. However recently I have been contacted by someone who claims to own a part of the land. I am absolutely positive that this cannot be the case, but how can I prove it – and stop something like this happening again?
A. Richard Wollacott, Solicitor at Fraser Brown in Bingham, says:
Land or property owned in Rushcliffe since before the mid 1970’s, or in
Melton or Newark & Sherwood since the mid 1980s will probably be registered at the Land Registry. In your case however the chances are your land is not registered and either you or your Solicitors have a large box or envelope containing old deeds and documents.
All these deeds and documents should prove the correct extent of the land and who the rightful owner is, and a solicitor will be able to establish this for you relatively easily. However the only way to guarantee this without argument is to register your land and property with the Land Registry. This ensures the ownership of your property or land is guaranteed and protected by the Government, and that there are up-to-date official records.
It also means that should you lose your deeds or they be destroyed, then copies could easily be obtained from the Land Registry’s central register. This reduces fraud and prevents disputes such as the one you are currently involved in. It is advisable for anyone to register their land, but especially in cases such as yours where property has been handed down within a family, it prevents any claims from estranged or long-lost relatives.
Particularly timely for yourself, the Land Registry is currently encouraging people to register their land and property and as such has reduced its fees by 25% as an incentive. At Fraser Brown we are also offering reduced fees for dealing with applications so it would be an excellent idea to start this process as soon as possible and ensure your property stays protected for future generations.
Fraser Brown is a dynamic law practice working at premises in Nottinghamshire through its branches in Nottingham, Radcliffe on Trent and Bingham.
Its philosophy is to deliver superior legal advice through a personal and highly professional service for both commercial and private clients. Since 1990, Fraser Brown has acquired eight established and respected local firms as part of its major growth strategy for doing business in the 21st Century.
Fraser Brown is one of the region's longest established firms of solicitors. Over the last 12 months, it has experienced significant growth in areas such as property, contract work, construction and general litigation.