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Adverse Possession

Adverse possession is the legal process by which a person can claim ownership of land they've occupied without the owner's consent for a specific period.

land surveyor melbourne

Adverse Possession with MG Land Surveyors
 

Understanding the boundaries of your property is crucial. However, discrepancies between the physical and title boundaries can give rise to disputes over land ownership, often leading to significant legal and financial implications. The concept of adverse possession is a unique legal principle within this context, and MG Land Surveyors is here to guide you through its intricacies.

What is Adverse Possession?
 

Adverse possession, commonly known as the "squatters law", allows someone who has been exclusively and continuously occupying a piece of land—belonging to another—for a set duration to potentially claim ownership of it. The requirements for establishing adverse possession in Victoria are stringent: claimants must have had non-secret, non-forced, open, exclusive, and uninterrupted possession of the land for at least 15 years, without the original owner's consent.

Why is Adverse Possession important?

  1. Legal Clarity: It establishes legal ownership, especially when titles are unclear or when multiple claimants dispute a piece of land.
     

  2. Expertise and Accuracy: Conducted by licensed land surveyors, these surveys use specialised tools to gather crucial evidence, resulting in comprehensive reports for court proceedings.
     

  3. Protecting Rights: They defend property owners against false claims, offering an unbiased view of the evidence backing an adverse possession claim.
     

  4. Complexity in Rules: Given the intricate property ownership laws in Melbourne and Victoria, these surveys become essential in ensuring rights are recognized, and disputes are resolved justly and efficiently.

Why Choose MG Land Surveyors?

 

At MG Land Surveyors, we pride ourselves on our meticulous attention to detail and deep understanding of land ownership complexities:

  • Experienced Surveying: We offer seasoned insights, drawing from our vast experience in handling a variety of properties, including those with older titles.
     

  • Tailored Solutions: Recognising that each property is distinctive, we customize our services to suit your unique needs, ensuring optimal outcomes.
     

  • Extensive Support: Whether you're aiming to retain ownership, correct past errors, or establish new claims, our team will provide the guidance and advice you require throughout the process.
     


For more information about the Adverse Possession process or to schedule a consultation, contact us at MG Land Surveyors today. We're here to provide the insights and services you need to move forward with your land projects confidently and securely.

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