Claire

Hi, I have purchased a property in Northern Ireland that has been uninhabited for over two years and it requires extensive refurbishment to be habitable. When the owners died over ten years ago, ownership of the house was transferred to their son who continued to pay rates for the house while living elsewhere. While we have been told the house was uninhabited for over 2 years before we purchased it, we have been unable to obtain evidence of this. The government website says that proof can be obtained from the electoral roll, council tax records, utilities companies and empty property officers. I have tried contacting the electoral roll and they have refused to provide us with any evidence but advised we contact Land and Property Services. Land and Property Services will be unable to help as the rates for the house were still paid. We do not have council tax or an empty property officer in Northern Ireland. Can you please advise how I should proceed with gaining this evidence?