Checking before committing.
WHAT TO VERIFY
That the seller holds what they claim That the land is what is shown That no encumbrance exists That consent will be obtainable That there is no dispute or acquisition
HOW TO VERIFY TITLE
A search at the lands registry, by a solicitor.
WHY BY A SOLICITOR
The searches and their interpretation require expertise.
WHAT A SEARCH SHOULD ESTABLISH
What is registered In whose name What encumbrances exist Whether the land is under acquisition
WHAT TO VERIFY PHYSICALLY
That the land exists where the survey says That the boundaries match Who occupies it What is built on it
WHY OCCUPATION MATTERS
Occupiers may have rights, and removing them is difficult.
WHAT TO ASK NEIGHBOURS
Who they understand owns it Whether there have been disputes
WHY ASK
It reveals what documents do not.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT COMMUNITY OR FAMILY LAND
Who has authority to sell Whether all necessary parties consent
WHY
Sales by one family member without others are a frequent source of litigation.
WHAT TO REQUIRE
Consent from all parties with an interest, documented.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT ANYTHING UNCLEAR
Stop.
WHY
Property disputes take years and consume everything.
WHAT TO BUDGET FOR
Searches, survey, legal fees and consent.
