Adverse Possession

Adverse possession is a longstanding legal doctrine that refers to the situation where a person in possession of land owned by someone else may acquire valid title (ownership) to that land.

There are certain legal requirements that must be met for adverse possession to apply; the adverse possessor is in possession for a sufficient period of time, in Victoria 15 years as defined by the statute of limitations, the decision to grant adverse possession will be based on the combined conduct and acts of the adverse possessor to establish whether the necessary principles can be established.

The application process for adverse possession is complex and time consuming, you should contact our experienced property lawyers to give you best opportunity for a successful claim.