Empty house - why?

[xanderma]

I'll hold my hand up, I'm just being completely nosey here! But there's a house down our street, self-built about 12 or 13 years ago. It's never been occupied, we heard it's something to do with the owner (who built it) divorcing and having to give his ex the proceeds if he moves in. He maintains it (cutting grass, basic stuff) about 3 times a year. It's not a problem at all to the neighbourhood, but it seems a travesty to see a 4-bed detached house unloved and unoccupied for so long.

My question is, would there likely be any deadlines after which he doesn't owe his ex anything - is the house ever likely to be occupied or do we just wait for the squatters to move in?

Can anyone answer such a vague question, cos I'm nosey and intrigued!

[spaced]

the best option is to approach him and speak with. Compliment him on the upkeep of his lovely home and just honeslty and sincerely ask him if he is ever likely to sell or rent it. That should get a bond going where he may disclose more info.

THe problem with empty houses if they are kept that way too long, depedning on the type of neighbourhood you are at risk of squatters, which would be a real shame to have.