Land Owner Unresponsive - Next Steps

Hi,&#160;<br> <br> I'm trying to make an enquiry to purchase a portion of a field that is directly next to my property. The field was previously rented to a farmer by the owner but has been untouched for nearly 2 years leading me to believe this agreement is no longer in place.&#160;<br> <br> I have already purchased the deeds and sent a letter to the owner to start discussions, but hear nothing back.&#160;<br> <br> From discussions with locals who know the area, it is thought that the owner is extrememly old and may have even passed.&#160;<br> <br> If this is the case, what is my next step to enquire about this piece of land? Would I need to wait until the deeds have been updated to reflect any new family owners or is there another faster route?<br> <br> Thanks!

Hi Ben - We usually come into the picture after the change of ownership has taken place so would not have much experience to advice on your options.&#160; The onus would be on you to investigate what's the position, and that could include:<br> - ask the locals if they have any knowledge on who the owner's successors could be and try to approach them,&#160; <ul> <li>ask local residents if they have any ideas about who might own it, as they may have lived in the area for a number of years and have ‘local knowledge’</li> <li>in case the owner has passed away then check with <a href="https://www.gov.uk/search-will-probate">Probate Registry&#160;</a>if the&#160;owner had made a will and Probate has been granted, or with Bona Vacantia if the owner did not make a will and property went into the unclaimed estates.&#160;&#160;</li> </ul> I hope this is of some help.&#160;