Derelict Property For Sale In The UK : A Buyers Guide
With increasing property prices in the UK over the last 20 years, more potential buyers are looking for ways to save money and still end up with the home of their dreams.
One way this can be achieved is by actively looking for derelict property for sale in the UK. These properties, which can include anything from abandoned houses to farm buildings and more unusual property for sale, offer the opportunity to pay a lot less for a property in exchange for taking on a renovation project.
While some buyers may be worried about the prospect of renovating a derelict property, this need not be the case and, if the proper course of action is followed, buying a derelict property could be the key to a beautiful home.
Come with us as our comprehensive guide walks you through the steps, benefits and pitfalls of finding, viewing and buying residential derelict property for sale in the UK.
Editor’s Note: We’ve updated this article to reflect the latest information on derelict properties for sale. Our aim is to provide readers with current insights and guidance for the UK derelict property market.
What Is A Derelict Property?
A derelict property is an empty building that has been abandoned or neglected for a long time, leading to significant disrepair and deterioration. In the case of residential properties, derelict buildings include houses, cottages, flats and studios.
The Difference Between Derelict And Abandoned Property
In the UK, a derelict property refers to a building that has been left in a state of disrepair and is no longer suitable for use without significant renovation or rebuilding. It often lacks basic utilities and may be structurally unsound.
An abandoned property, on the other hand, is one that has been left empty but may not necessarily be in a state of disrepair. Abandoned properties can range from being in fairly good condition to needing extensive work to make them habitable or usable again.
Generally speaking, although there is some crossover between these terms, most derelict properties in the UK do have an owner, whereas the owners of abandoned houses may be more difficult to trace.
In some cases, people attempt to claim a derelict property via the process of adverse possession, however this is fraught with difficulties, takes a very long time and is usually unsuccessful.
How To Find Derelict Properties For Sale: A Journey To Ownership
The usual methods for finding any property in the UK include scouring property websites, visiting estate agents and looking at advertisements in newspapers.
Although you should not dismiss these, when it comes to derelict property for sale in the UK, there is a much more effective method you can use for finding suitable properties.
Most derelict buildings in the UK are not advertised for sale at all, let alone promoted using the conventional methods above. In order to start your search, consider the following approach:
- Narrow down your area of interest: Rather than trawling through hundreds of property listings, think about the area of the country you would like to live in first. This will eliminate any parts of the country you are not interested in and concentrate your efforts on derelict properties in your favoured place.
- Talk to local estate agents: As a first step, try contacting smaller local estate agents in the area you are looking. On occasion, they may have, or know of, local derelict properties which may be available to buy. Even if they do not, this step will eliminate any formally advertised property in that area.
- Visit the area in person: Whether you are looking for cottages for sale in Scotland or a remote property for sale in Wales, you should definitely make a personal visit.
- Drive around and look: It may sound obvious, but many people have turned that corner and found the perfect run-down house or derelict property right in front of them.
- Talk to local people: This is an extremely productive way of finding derelict houses. Go for lunch in the village pub, talk to residents, farmers, even the local post office. With the right attitude it may not be long before you are informed about a derelict property which may be available.
Many derelict houses in Britain have been lying empty for years, in some cases decades, and they may have no traceable owner or if they do, the possibility of selling the empty property may not have even crossed their mind.
Local people are your most valuable asset for finding derelict property for sale.
Where can I find derelict property for sale?
Derelict properties for sale in the UK can often be found in rural areas, smaller towns, and areas undergoing regeneration. To locate these properties, engage with local estate agents who specialise in empty properties, attend local property auctions, and monitor local authority listings for potential redevelopment opportunities.
Can I claim a derelict property for free?
Claiming a derelict property in the UK is complex and involves legal processes such as adverse possession. To potentially claim ownership, one must possess the property exclusively, openly, and without consent for a continuous period of 10 years (registered land) or 12 years (unregistered land).
Are derelict properties for sale cheaper?
Yes, derelict properties are often priced lower than habitable homes due to their condition. However, buyers should consider the additional costs of renovation and compliance with building regulations, which can significantly increase the overall investment required to make the property livable.
How Do I Find Out Who Owns A Derelict Property?
To identify the owner of a derelict property in the UK, start by consulting the HM Land Registry online for a nominal fee. If the property is registered, this will provide ownership details. Alternatively, contact the local council’s planning or land charges department for potential records. Engaging with nearby residents or businesses can also yield information.
How To Find Out Who Owns A Property
Once you have found a derelict property which peaks your interest, it’s time for the next step: finding out who owns the property and if the derelict house may be for sale.
Finding the owner of a derelict property requires persistence and a bit of detective work, but the rewards of successfully contacting them can open the door to negotiating a purchase or gaining more information about the property’s potential.
The following methods are some tactics used by savvy buyers in order to find out who owns a property:
- Land Registry: In the UK, the Land Registry holds records of all registered properties, including the names and addresses of owners. For a small fee, you can request this information online, which is especially useful for derelict properties that are registered.
- Local Council Enquiries: Local authorities can sometimes provide information about property ownership, especially if the property has been subject to complaints, planning applications, or enforcement actions.
- Neighbour Inquiries: Neighbours often have knowledge about the property’s history and might know the current owner or how to contact them.
- Estate Agents and Auction Houses: Local estate agents and auction houses may have insights into the property, especially if it has been on the market previously or is likely to be auctioned.
- Local People: Again, there is a lot of value into talking to local people, even if they are not immediate neighbours. Id there is a derelict property for sale, or the potential to be for sale, the chances are local people will know about it.
Average Prices For Derelict Properties In The UK
The table below shows very average prices for derelict property for sale in different parts of the UK.
These figures are taken from property listings which are only for residential properties and are designed merely to give you a general idea.
Actual prices can vary dramatically depending on the property, its condition and location.
| Area of UK | Average Property Price |
|---|---|
| South East England | £175,000 |
| South West England | £145,000 |
| North West England | £120,000 |
| North East England | £110,000 |
| Wales | £95,000 |
| Scotland | £100,000 |
| Northern Ireland | £85,000 |
Case Study: Derelict Property In Wales
Alan and Michelle, a couple from Manchester with a vision for transforming a derelict property into their dream home, set off on a journey to find a hidden gem in the picturesque countryside of Wales.
Their search led them to explore various avenues, but it was their decision to engage with the local community that proved most fruitful. Conversations with residents of a small Welsh village hinted at an old cottage that had been long forgotten, nestled on the outskirts and owned by a local farmer.
This discovery was exactly what they had been searching for: a derelict property for sale that held the potential to become their ideal home.
Alan and Michelle approached the farmer, learning that the cottage had been in his family for generations but had fallen into disrepair due to lack of funds and interest in restoration.
Sensing an opportunity to bring their dream to life, the couple negotiated the purchase of the run-down cottage. Over the following months, they poured their passion and resources into transforming the neglected structure into a beautiful, inviting home.
Their journey from discovering a derelict property for sale to creating a space filled with love and warmth became a celebrated example of how dedication and community engagement can revive the charm of forgotten properties.