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Claiming Ownership of Land You've Looked After: Adverse Possession

When long use of land can lead to ownership, and how to apply.

Claiming Ownership of Land You've Looked After: Adverse Possession Property Legal, Risk & Compliance

Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond

Legal · Land

Adverse possession explained

10 yearsregistered land
12 yearsunregistered land
Exclusivepossession
Evidenceis key
In short: If you've occupied and controlled a piece of land as if it were your own, without the owner's permission, you may be able to claim it through adverse possession. For registered land, you can apply after 10 years, but the owner is notified and can often object. For unregistered land, the period is 12 years. Simply mowing a verge isn't usually enough: you need factual, exclusive possession, such as fencing it in, with the intention to possess. Strong evidence matters. Fraser Bond can value land and properties affected by boundary issues.
Registered landUnregistered land
Period10 years before applying12 years
Owner notifiedYes, can objectDifferent process
Typical evidenceStatements, photos, fencing recordsSimilar

Adverse possession periods

Evidence to gather

Frequently asked questions

Can I claim land I've maintained?

Possibly, if you had exclusive possession for long enough without permission.

Will the owner be told?

For registered land, yes, and they can usually object.

Can Fraser Bond help?

We can value the land and property.

Selling a property with land issues?

Get a free valuation and advice.

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