How do you find the owner of a property?

[gillivray5]

Hello,
I found an old abandoned small property with great potential in the Surrey, UK, it has been abandoned for more than 6 years now and no one seems to know who owns it... I tried the lands and registry database but no information is coming up on it, I also tried calling the local Borough council and they dont have any information either.....

Any ideas how I can find the owner and also how would the law apply if there are no traceable deeds?

[muata2]

have you tried the last census as a starting point plus of course find out who they bill for the poll tax.

another avenue to try is by asking the local neighbours and or the local post office, they might know if old mr so and so went to live in a nursing home etc etc...........

[achban]

have you tried the last census as a starting point plus of course find out who they bill for the poll tax.

another avenue to try is by asking the local neighbours and or the local post office, they might know if old mr so and so went to live in a nursing home etc etc...........

you go to the local post office and get the exact address. then you go to the county court house and go to the prothonators office or tax office. you will be looking at a library of books of deeds. the office will help if they have time. the exact or mailing address helps. then you look in this book of deeds for any liens on the property and to make sure it is not in probate. then you look for the owner.
the name of the taxpayer is the owner, if property is in probate because of death or long illness or divorce forget it, the property will be worthless by the time it is settled.

[dickens93]

Try the County Tax Collector First. I can't believe there is a piece of property that they don't know who to send a bill to. If not, Go squat on the property. The owners will show up in no time.

[melville]

Oh man. Try some property with a traceable owner.