Buying Land

[afairclough]

There is a small plot of land at the end of our garden we are interested in purchasing it. How do we go about finding out who owns it? When we have found out could we just write to the owners and make them an offer? The land is of no use to anyone else and to small to build anything on so we don't want to pay alot for it. When would we have to get a solicitor involved?

[woofgang]

well you can check for ownership at the land registry
http://www.landreg.gov.uk/ and imo you will need conveyancing services when you purchase.

[Graham-W]

Try to find the owner through the Land registry.
If there is no registered owner, or the registered owner can't be found, file an ADV1 with the land registry. If there is no claimant for 10 years the land is yours. You can use the land and maintain it during the 10 years as long as the owner doesn't object.

http://www.landregist...ion/caniclaimland.htm

[buildersmate]

To find who owns the land, use the facility provided by the Land Registry.
The starting point is here: -
https://www.landregis...ortal/Property_Search
You will probably have to submit a Map Enquiry (because there is no detailed address). Quote it as 'land to the south-west of [your property address]. The LR then search their records.
If they find a proprietor they will tell you the registered address of the owner and you can write a letter expressing interest, as you proposed. Don't talk about prices until you have got them thinking about selling. There is no formula for establishing a value.
If LR don't find a proprietor, one option is just to fence the parcel of land and start maintaining it as your own and see what happens. The 'owner' may show up, or he may not. Then come back in 10 years and w'll advise you what legally to do next.

[tonywiltshire]

There is enough information on how to try to find the owner of the land; you may find the small plot of land, which would be of no use to anyone else suddenly becomes a very valuable parcel of land when you show an interest in purchasing.