Buying property and landownership

FAQs about property and public rights of way.

• Q: I am buying some property and apparently there is a public right of way over it, what does this mean?
• Q: How can I find out who owns a property or a piece of land?
• Q: I am in the process of buying some property. How can I find out if there are any public rights of way over the land?

• Q: I am buying some property and apparently there is a public right of way over it, what does this mean?

  A: The public have a right to pass along the route of the path at all times. You must not do anything to obstruct the route or prevent anyone from using the path.

  Read more about I am buying some property and apparently there is a public right of way over it, what does this mean?
  Up to the questions

• Q: How can I find out who owns a property or a piece of land?

  A: Dorset County Council (DCC) holds details of DCC owned land and property only.

  Read more about How can I find out who owns a property or a piece of land?
  Up to the questions

• Q: I am in the process of buying some property. How can I find out if there are any public rights of way over the land?

  A: Your solicitor can do an official search for public rights of way shown on the definitive map and statement through the Land Charges system, although they may not do this unless you ask, as it is optional and incurs an extra charge. It is also possible for anyone to arrange to view the definitive map of public rights of way for a locality at the highway authority main offices and in some cases at libraries and local council offices. However, because not all public rights of way that exist are shown on the definitive map and statement, if you suspect that the public are using the land even though there appears to be no public right of way recorded over it you should take specialist advice and make further enquiries. Always take advice, never assume anything.

  Read more about I am in the process of buying some property. How can I find out if there are any public rights of way over the land?
  Up to the questions