How Do I Find Out Who Owns A House?

[kaaliz]

I've been driving past a house for nearly ten years now. In all that time, no one has ever lived there and there has never been a For Sale sign up on it.

Though the house is pretty run down, I think it has good bones and I'd be interested in buying it and restoring it. How do I find out who owns it?

I've asked the neighbours but no one knows.

[scooping]

Land Registry.

[dzug2]

Try the Land Registry - though I'm not sure how much detail they will give

[silliemillie]

Think you have to pay Land Registry a nominal fee (about £2-3) I think.

[Canary42]

Try the Land Registry - but beware bogus websites who will charge you more.

[scooping]

Also, just contact a local councillor. The council will have records, for things like council tax. But go to a local councillor first rather the council itself. He or she will probably be interested to help.

[Canary42]

I think this is the genuine site

http://www.landregistry.gov.uk

[Canary42]

... but I could be wrong !

[Eve]

This gives further information, should be easy if the property has a clear address (house number and postcode - should be findable on the Royal Mail site) and is registered land:

http://www.landregistry.gov.uk/public/property-ownership

If it isn't registered then things are more difficult. Let us know if that is the case.

[Eve]

Yes, that is the official site Canary.

[kaaliz]

Thanks everyone. I'm in Northern Ireland so we have a separate land registry site it seems. I'll try my local councillor first as scooping suggests, then try land registry if I get no joy. I'm sure one of them will be able to help.

Thanks again.

[factor-fiction]

You could just send them/drop off a letter offering to buy it. I assume they pick up mail from time to time