Adverse Possession Claim Solicitors
If you’ve been using a piece of land for years without the owner’s permission, or someone’s claiming rights to your property, you need to know where you stand. Adverse possession claims can seem complicated, but they’re based on straightforward principles.
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Alternatively, talk to one of our team members on 0330 111 3131 or via our online enquiry form.
What is adverse possession?
Adverse possession – often called ‘squatter’s rights’ – is the legal process where someone can claim ownership of land they’ve occupied without permission for a set period. For registered land, that’s usually 10 years. For unregistered land, it’s typically 12 years. The law’s stricter than it used to be, but valid claims still succeed when the right conditions are met.
Adverse possession claims we handle
Making an adverse possession claim
We help people who’ve been using land for years and want to formalise their ownership. Whether it’s a strip of garden you’ve maintained, a driveway you’ve used, or a larger plot you’ve occupied, we’ll assess whether you meet the legal tests for adverse possession and guide you through the application process with the Land Registry.
Defending against adverse possession claims
If someone’s claiming rights to your property, we’ll examine their case and advise on your options for defending your ownership. We act quickly to protect land owners and help you respond to Land Registry notices within the required timeframes.
Adverse possession of unregistered land
Unregistered land claims work differently and often involve longer timeframes and more complex evidence. We handle applications for first registration based on adverse possession and deal with any objections that arise during the process.
Boundary and land disputes
Many adverse possession situations start as boundary disagreements. We resolve disputes where neighbours have different views on who owns what, helping you reach practical solutions without unnecessary conflict.
How the adverse possession claim process works
- Initial assessment
We review how long you’ve occupied the land, the circumstances of your possession, and whether you meet the legal requirements. We’ve found that many people overestimate or underestimate their position, so this early clarity saves time and money.
- Evidence gathering
You’ll need to prove continuous occupation. We help you pull together photographs, witness statements, utility bills and other documents that demonstrate your use of the land. The stronger your evidence, the less likely you’ll face objections.
- Land Registry application
We prepare and submit your adverse possession application with all supporting evidence. For registered land, the current owner gets 65 days to object. For unregistered land, the process can take several months depending on any responses.
- Resolving objections or completion
If there’s no objection, you become the registered owner. If the owner objects, we’ll advise whether to negotiate, withdraw, or refer the matter to the tribunal.
Why choose Slater Heelis for adverse possession claim
Experience handling adverse possession disputes
We’ve got extensive experience handling adverse possession disputes – both for people making claims and property owners defending them. Our adverse possession solicitors have built strong relationships with the Land Registry and regularly handle complex cases involving unregistered land, boundary disputes, and objections.
Local solicitors who know the area
Based in Manchester, Sale and Chester, we’re on your doorstep when you need face-to-face advice. Adverse possession claims often involve local land, local history, and local witnesses so having solicitors who understand the area makes a real difference. As a full-service firm, we can draw on expertise from our property and dispute teams if your case overlaps with other legal issues. We also work nationwide.
Recognised excellence you can trust
We’re listed in The Times Best Law Firms for 2026, and The Legal 500 recognises us as one of the leading firms in the North West. With over 1,400 reviews and an average rating of 4.9/5 on ReviewSolicitors, our clients trust us enough to recommend us to their families and friends.
If you’re dealing with an adverse possession claim – whether you’re making one or defending against it – our team is here to help. We’ll listen to your situation, assess your position honestly, and give you clear advice on the best way forward.
Call us on 0330 111 3131 or get in touch through our online enquiry form to speak with our property litigation lawyers.
We’re based in Manchester, Sale, and Chester with offices open for face-to-face meetings, and we also work with clients across the UK. We’ll keep you updated at every stage, handle all the legal work, and take the pressure off you during what’s already a difficult time.
Start your claim today
