Adverse Possession

Welcome to Land Registry HM adverse possession advice Pages. To the left of the page you will see a directory of the articles and advice guides we have in relation to adverse possession for both claimants and defendants.

Adverse possession is more commonly known as 'squatter’s rights', in short it is the right and ability of an individual to take legal ownership of real property by treating it as though it were there own.

In most instances, adverse possession is less dramatic than taking legal ownership of a house; a property owner may take adverse possession of another neighbouring properties land or a small strip of garden land.

Adverse possession is something we would suggest most land owners should understands for the defence of their property, but should not seek to impose simply for financial benefit.