Hi All.
Am hoping that one of you can direct me in my search to find records on property ownership for my Grandparents' home. Located in London, England. East Dulwich to be exact.
My Grandfather died in 1955 and we received a letter from Grandma telling us that she was going to see the Solicitor to get 'the house in her name'. This suggested to me that they indeed owned the property.
When Grandma died in 1962, we arrived from the states several months later and stayed with the family while my Father reported for duty in Germany. During the time we were there, Mom and her Uncle discussed the usual details that occur after a death. The big one was the house. Mom always said she gave the property to her Uncle because it was not worth much and he would only be able to live there several years. Something about the lease expiring.
Years later I did some research and determined that the original leases on the properties in that area were for 99 years. At the end of the lease, the property would revert to the crown. The homes would not be worth purchasing as there would have a limited amount of time to reside there. Since we were talking about 1962, it seemed to fit the information I read. But then I get confused about the ownership rights of Leasehold(house) verses Freehold(land). In the States when you own a home, you always own the property on which it sits. Please correct my information if it is inaccurate.
However, some critical information was not given to my Mother, or she did not understand it. In the early 1960's there was a lot of fear amongst some of the older residents that they might be forced out of their homes with no place to live. Discussions were held that indicated that these leases might be extended for an additional 100+ years. This would have allowed older residents to stay in their homes or sell for a decent price. Indeed, I think the law changed around 1967.
Recently, upon connecting with one of the family members after 50 years, they have told me I am wrong but can't or won't tell me why.
Would there be records that are available that would show who owned the home during this time period? (around 1920-1975) That is a broad time period but would cover the years that a family member occupied the home. Could they be viewed on-line?
