Claims Chronicles- Title Issue with old football pitch
January 2010
-
Expenses £30,549.00
-
Settlement £399,181.00
For more information contact our claims team on 0845 371 1781 or email legal&claims@firsttitle.eu.
The developers of an old football pitch in Scotland purchased the land from the trustees of the former football club who had used the land since the early 20th Century, but they could not prove the ownership of some of the land. The developers wanted to build 23 new residential properties on the land. They obtained a title insurance policy from First Title.
Polices were issued not only for the developers themselves but also for the 23 new properties built on the land so each individual who purchased one of the properties bought their house secure in the knowledge that the insurance policy would cover them against any future claim made by someone claiming actual ownership of the land.
The development was completed and all the houses were sold. Three years later a letter was sent from a solicitor acting for the Trustees of an estate to all 23 owners of these properties and the original developer claiming that the Trustees were the true owners of the land.
First Title immediately instructed lawyers to deal with the solicitors for the Trustees on behalf of all the residents. A quick settlement was reached with the Trustees and the necessary legal documentation was completed to conclude the matter.
First Title's policy covered the settlement of this claim against the actual loss and damage incurred because the Trustees were able to prove ownership of this land that had previously been in the football club's possession for a very long time. In addition to this, the policy covered the legal expenses and surveyor's costs that were necessary to resolve the matter.
The residents were all relieved and pleased in the knowledge that the claim had been finalised without their involvement and that they were protected from the stress and expense that such a situation can bring.