Commercial Adverse Possession Claims

What is an adverse possession claim/dispute?

A claim for adverse possession is a claim brought against the legal owner of land where land has been occupied or possessed by someone for a period of 10 years (if the land is registered) or 12 years (if the land is unregistered).

The occupier will need to show that they have been in possession of the land without the legal owner’s permission for the necessary number of years. They will need to prove both factual possession and also an intention to possess the land.

An application can be made to the Land Registry to record the ownership and at that stage the legal owner will have the opportunity to object to the registration.

Our team of specialist solicitors have experience both in bringing claims for adverse possession and also opposing them.