Help: Unknown 1948 Land Charge on House We Want to Buy – No Details Available

Hi all, We’re trying to buy a house and have come across a Land Charge Class C(iv) registered on in 1948, created by an instrument between 2 people (who are now deceased). The issue is: - No further particulars of this charge are listed on first registration, and we cannot find any additional information through the Land Registry. - The current owner bought the house without discovering this charge. - The Land Registry advised the owner to contact the original solicitor from his sale, but the solicitor doesn't hold records older than 20 years. - The current owner was told he might have a legal case against the old solicitor for not uncovering this, but he wants to avoid a long legal battle and simply sell the house. We’ve asked the Land Registry if they can remove the charge, but they previously said no. We’re now at a crossroads and looking for advice on: - Are there any practical ways to clarify or remove such an old, unknown land charge? - Could we proceed with the purchase despite this charge, and what risks would we face? - Has anyone dealt with a similar situation with a 70+ year-old charge where no records exist? Any insights, suggestions, or experiences would be hugely appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Hi Priya - it's your legal advice you need here to answer your Qs. Whilst this is a public forum it is very rare for posts to attract the comments of others and is used by us at HMLR to enable users to find answers to the most commonly asked Qs.<br> <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/land-charges-applications-for-registration-official-search-office-copy-and-cancellation">The land charges registers and agricultural credits register: registration, official search, office copy and cancellation (PG63) - GOV.UK</a><br> I doubt if a legal battle over what the original solicitor did or didn't do wouldn't get the land charge removed