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Adverse possession is normally talked about in terms of finding and claiming land for which there is no registered ownership.

Around us, a lot of land is listed as registered by the local council including unused/derelict plots. Can adverse possession or something else apply for land which is registered but apparently forgotten? In other words, by the same process of using and tending to the land can an ownership claim become valid?

Or, once land is registered is it then non-claimable in perpetuity?

Mr. Boy
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1 Answers1

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Yes

  1. After 10 years the squatter may apply to become the registered owner
  2. The current registered owner may oppose the transfer. If they do, they succeed except (complicated reasons). If they don’t oppose or (complicated reasons) the title is transferred.
  3. If the title is not transferred and the squatter remains in occupation, they can reapply in 2 years and will be successful.

(complicated reasons) are spelled out in the linked article and are quite ... complicated.

Dale M
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