Ever spotted a rundown house with broken windows and overgrown weeds and wondered what the story was? Abandoned properties may look forgotten, but for the right person, they offer real potential, whether it’s a unique place to live or a smart investment.
Buying one is not quite like a typical home purchase. It takes research, patience, and a clear understanding of the risks and rewards involved. In this guide, we will walk you through how to find abandoned properties, what to watch out for, and the steps to make one your own.
What makes a property abandoned?
An abandoned property has been left empty for quite some time and is no longer cared for. You might notice broken windows, overgrown gardens, peeling paint, or a pile of posts by the door. Often, it looks like no one’s set foot inside for years. These homes are usually in a right state and need a fair bit of work before they’re safe to live in.
But not every empty home is truly abandoned. Some are just unoccupied, which means the owner still keeps an eye on it or carries out basic upkeep. An abandoned house, on the other hand, shows clear signs it has been left to rack and ruin.
There are many reasons a house might end up this way. It could be due to foreclosure, bankruptcy, the owner’s death, unpaid taxes, or eviction. In some cases, older period properties are left behind because they cost too much to maintain or repair.
These places can spark real curiosity. They often feel frozen in time, like they’ve got a story to tell. For someone with a bit of vision, an abandoned property could be a real diamond in the rough. If you’re curious about how to spot one and what it takes to make it yours, read on to learn more.
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Why would you want to consider buying an abandoned property?
Buying an abandoned property might be a clever idea, especially if you’re open to a different kind of home-buying journey. Here’s why:
- Cheaper price: You might be able to get it for significantly less than a normal house, making it ideal if you’re on a tight budget.
- Less competition: Not many people are interested in these homes, so you’ll have fewer buyers to compete with.
- Profit chance: You could fix it and sell it or rent it out for money, creating a new source of income or long-term gain.
- Saving a building: You get to bring a forgotten place back to life and give it a fresh purpose in the community.
But there are things to watch out for, too:
- High repair costs: Some require extensive work, which can result in significant expenses for repairs and safety checks.
- Hidden problems: There could be debts or unpaid taxes that you’d have to take on after buying.
- Legal trouble: If the owner comes back, things could get tricky, and you might face a lengthy legal battle.
Step-by-step process to buy an abandoned property
Finding the right abandoned property takes a bit of detective work. You’ll need to keep your eyes peeled and ask around to spot the right one. Here are some of the best ways to start your search:
- Look for signs like boarded-up windows, broken fences, and overgrown gardens
- Check if the posts are piling up at the front door
- Speak to neighbours who might know how long it’s been empty
- Visit local estate agents and ask if they know of any rundown or forgotten homes
- Check local council records for empty or abandoned properties in the area
- Attend property auctions where empty or repossessed homes are often listed
- Read local newspapers for notices about properties up for sale or in disrepair
- Doing a bit of digging can help you uncover a hidden gem others might miss.
How to look for an abandoned property online
Websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or the UK Government Property Finder can help you. Search for repossessed or derelict homes. You can also try checking auction catalogues or specialist estate agents who deal with rundown homes.
Once you spot a property that looks abandoned, you’ll need to take a few steps to confirm this is the case by:
- Contacting estate agents: Ask local estate agents if the property is for sale or who owns it. They might already know.
- Reaching out to the local council: Your local council may have records of abandoned or empty homes. They can tell you more about its history and ownership.
Locate and speak to the property owner
Use the HM Land Registry website to search for the owner. If it’s registered, you’ll see their name, and if there are any mortgages or loans. If it’s not registered, it might still be possible to claim ownership through something called adverse possession.
This is a long process, so get advice from a solicitor.
Make an offer
If you find the owner, you can make them an offer. If they accept, you can begin the legal buying process. However, if you can’t find the owner and want to claim the property, you must:
- Live in or look after the property for 10–12 years
- Gather proof like photos, videos, and receipts
- Fill in Form ADV1 and submit it to the HM Land Registry
- Include a sworn statement (a Statement of Truth or Statutory Declaration)
- The legal owner will be contacted. If they don’t object, you might get ownership.
Finalise the purchase
Once your offer is accepted (or your claim is approved), your solicitor or conveyancer will handle the paperwork. This is called the conveyancing process.
If the property is registered, they’ll check the title and register you as the new owner. If unregistered, they’ll guide you through adverse possession, which may take several months or even years. After that, you can plan to fix up the home.
Do you need help buying an abandoned house?
Abandoned properties can offer a great opportunity, but they come with risks. Always speak to a solicitor or estate agent before you begin, and make sure you also:
- Check for building problems
- Get insurance (some insurers only cover empty homes for 30–60 days)
- Find out about any restrictions (like if it’s a listed building)
- Apply for special permission for big repairs
Give an abandoned house a second chance
With a bit of care, proper research, and some good old-fashioned elbow grease, you could breathe new life into a home that’s been left behind. Whether you’re dreaming of a cosy place to live or hoping to make a smart investment, an abandoned property could be the perfect starting point.
It’s not always a walk in the park, and there may be a few bumps along the way, but the reward of bringing a property back to life can be well worth it. Every home has a story, and you could be the one to give it a new chapter.
If you’re ready to explore the possibilities, the team at Parkers is here to lend a hand.
Get in touch for friendly advice and expert help with your property journey.
