Selling a house from prison

[Vatreni]

Hi all,

Slightly unusual question but it's genuine not a law degree what-if...

I am thinking about buying a house and having pulled the title there are joint owners. Having done some googling, one is in jail and the other is "on the run" whereabouts unknown.

I am presuming that as it's on the market, the owner in jail does have the ability to sell and communicate with the Estate Agent.

However on the title there are several RESTRICTIONS, namely "no disposition by the proprietor" except with written consent of a named DC at a named police station, the Proceeds of Crime unit, and a Finance Company. It's further complicated by the fact the Finance Company charge is against the other owner who is on the run.

Of course my advice to myself is "don't touch with a bargepole", but it's a lovely property and maybe these aren't the show stoppers that they appear to be.

I have not made an offer yet so don't want to involve my solicitor at this stage, just after some opinions if anyone here has dealt with a similar situation previously or has knowledge in this area.

Many thanks!

[ostell]

So it could just be that there is a court order under proceeds of crime regulations that the house be sold and the proceeds distributed to the victims. Suggest you talk to the DC first and see what he says.

[Amethyst]

Might be an idea to try to speak to the DC named on the restriction first. It maybe the house is being sold following a sale order obtained by proceeds of crime.

edit : Sorry .... posted at same time as ostell but as we say same thing - I'd do that xx

[Vatreni]

Thanks both, I did try to click the thumbs up button but sadly my reputation is still below sea level.

As it happens before I even sent the OP I tried to call the police station referred to. This now seems impossible as every number I found just redirected me to call 101. I don't want to bother even the non-emergency number with this so have sent an email on the metpolice contact us page in the hope the DC will email or call me back. If anyone knows how to find out the switchboard number of a London police station I'm all ears.

[Amethyst]

101 will put you through if needed but with your enquiry they'd likely prefer an email in any event.

Is the property for sale through an estate agent ? You could enquire through them of course to find if it is being sold by the owners directly or if it is being sold under a possession/sale order. Your conveyancer will simply need to ensure the registered charge terms is adherred to - it shouldn't create any additional problems for you process wise though.