Adverse possession commercial property
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Adverse possession of commercial property is a legal process where someone who has occupied land which they do not own, without the owner’s permission, seeks to claim ownership of that land after a certain period.
This can lead to complex disputes, especially in the commercial sector. Moore Barlow’s solicitors are here to provide expert legal advice and support in navigating these claims.
What is adverse possession of commercial property?
Adverse possession of commercial property occurs when an individual or business entity occupies commercial land without the owner’s consent and seeks to claim legal ownership after meeting specific legal criteria. In certain cases, this can result in the true or legal owner losing their rights to the land entirely if the claim is successful.
What evidence do you need for adverse possession?
To prove adverse possession, you need evidence of your intentional possession of the land, continuously and exclusively for the requisite period of time, which depending on whether the land is registered or unregistered is 10 or 12 years, and demonstrate that this was without the land owner’s permission. Relevant evidence will depend on the specific facts of the case but often includes witness statements, photographs, maintenance records, and any improvements made to the land during the period you have been in occupation or control of the land.

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How we can help
Moore Barlow offers legal advice to both applicants and landowners involved in adverse possession disputes. We provide thorough assessments of the available evidence and advise on the conditions to be satisfied, the validity and likely merits of any application and the available grounds of opposition. We offer strategic advice and represent your interests throughout the process, whether you are seeking to establish or oppose an adverse possession claim.
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If you are dealing with an adverse possession issue involving commercial property, contact Moore Barlow for expert legal advice. Our team is here to guide you through the complexities of these claims. Get in touch with us today to discuss your case.
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The team that I predominantly deal with are technically excellent and commercially minded, which enables decisions to be made and recoveries to be effected at the best rates for creditors and lenders alike.
Legal 500, 2024
Throughout this protracted episode you and your staff worked tirelessly to bring the whole sorry saga to an acceptable settlement. How you managed to remain so professional was amazing and I am eternally grateful to you for this. Your ability to eventually reach an acceptable agreement is a credit to you all. Your attention to detail and to always keep me in the picture is commendable and is also a credit to you all. I would have no hesitation in recommending your firm and you in particular as being absolutely first class in every way.
Client
The practice has a high caliber of experienced and highly knowledgeable team members.
Legal 500, 2025
Moore Barlow is active across a range of landlord and tenant disputes involving lease extensions, dilapidation claims and tenancy deposits. It acts on recovery proceedings, compulsory purchase and possession orders. The team has further strength in contentious change of use and planning permission matters. It also advises on access rights matters, including those relating to common land.
Chambers & Partners, 2024
They make complex issues easier to understand and have experts in all parts of property litigation, so we are covered in every eventuality.
Chambers & Partners, 2024
The firm is well respected locally and houses a large number of specialist lawyers in the property sector, meaning that it has the breadth and depth of support needed to deal with all types of property dispute. The firm is efficient, has some talented lawyers and is well respected locally.
Legal 500, 2024
The team at Moore Barlow offer a breadth of knowledge and their strengths lie in their availability to offer advice and assistance with any issue.
Legal 500, 2024
The team that I predominantly deal with are technically excellent and commercially minded, which enables decisions to be made and recoveries to be effected at the best rates for creditors and lenders alike.
Legal 500, 2024
Throughout this protracted episode you and your staff worked tirelessly to bring the whole sorry saga to an acceptable settlement. How you managed to remain so professional was amazing and I am eternally grateful to you for this. Your ability to eventually reach an acceptable agreement is a credit to you all. Your attention to detail and to always keep me in the picture is commendable and is also a credit to you all. I would have no hesitation in recommending your firm and you in particular as being absolutely first class in every way.
Client
The practice has a high caliber of experienced and highly knowledgeable team members.
Legal 500, 2025
Moore Barlow is active across a range of landlord and tenant disputes involving lease extensions, dilapidation claims and tenancy deposits. It acts on recovery proceedings, compulsory purchase and possession orders. The team has further strength in contentious change of use and planning permission matters. It also advises on access rights matters, including those relating to common land.
Chambers & Partners, 2024
They make complex issues easier to understand and have experts in all parts of property litigation, so we are covered in every eventuality.
Chambers & Partners, 2024
The firm is well respected locally and houses a large number of specialist lawyers in the property sector, meaning that it has the breadth and depth of support needed to deal with all types of property dispute. The firm is efficient, has some talented lawyers and is well respected locally.
Legal 500, 2024
The team at Moore Barlow offer a breadth of knowledge and their strengths lie in their availability to offer advice and assistance with any issue.
Legal 500, 2024
The team that I predominantly deal with are technically excellent and commercially minded, which enables decisions to be made and recoveries to be effected at the best rates for creditors and lenders alike.