Gardens, ghosts, and squatters...
You might not actually own your own front garden
Some homeowners discover after buying a property that they do not actually own their front garden, causing confusion about responsibility for upkeep and permissions for alterations.
Sometimes, what looks like part of a homeowner’s land, such as a front garden or driveway, is legally owned by someone else. These odd patches can be left over from old estate layouts or council planning. The implications are real: you might need permission to park, build or even landscape. In some cases, homeowners are charged annual fees for access, so checking the title plan before making changes is essential to avoid unexpected legal hurdles.
Haunted houses: no law against ghosts (unless you lie about them)
UK property law doesn’t require sellers to mention paranormal activity unless directly asked. Since ghosts fall under belief rather than fact, they’re not covered under standard disclosure rules. However, under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, sellers must disclose material information that could affect a buyer’s decision.
If a house is widely known for a disturbing history, failing to reveal that could be considered misrepresentation. When it comes to the supernatural, honesty is still the best legal defence, so probably best to mention the sad little Victorian girl who likes to stand in the corner of the bedroom at night sooner rather than later.
Squatters can legally claim your property through adverse possession
A person living on land without permission may eventually be able to claim ownership. This is known as adverse possession and can apply after 10 years for registered land or 12 years for unregistered land. The rule is intended to encourage proper land use and resolve disputes, but it has led to dramatic cases, such as squatters in Kensington legally taking over a £700,000 home in 2002. Although today’s system makes it harder to succeed with such claims, property owners should keep an eye out, particularly if properties are vacant or inherited.
