Bold new step by the KLTR to tackle ownerless property
The King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer (KLTR) has launched a new project this month to bring ownerless property (known as “bona vacantia”) back into use.
Building on the success of the Ownerless Property Transfer Scheme (OPTS), launched in March 2024, the KLTR is again working in partnership with key stakeholders, including Companies House, Registers of Scotland, the Scottish Land Commission and local authorities throughout Scotland, to proactively identify land and properties which have fallen to the Crown as ownerless. This is usually because a company has been dissolved without its property being transferred.
Previously, the KLTR awaited notification of potential ownerless property from those concerned about the condition of the property or from others with an interest in the property. The KLTR team would then disclaim or sell on the property once its ownerless status was legally confirmed.
With the OPTS now working as intended, the KLTR has a greater range of options for property that falls to the Crown. This new proactive project aims to create further opportunities for bringing ownerless property back into purposeful use for the benefit of our communities when it is in the public interest to do so.
Working together, the KLTR and its partners will investigate the land registers, company records, the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Register, land data held by local authorities and other available information. This should lead to more accurate and complete databases for the organisations involved.
Bobby Sandeman, the KLTR’s Chief Executive, said:
“I am delighted that we can introduce this new proactive project so soon after launching our Ownerless Property Transfer Scheme. This demonstrates the KLTR’s commitment to working collaboratively with key stakeholders to bring ownerless property back into purposeful use for the benefit of communities across Scotland.”
“While this project is not a magic bullet for resolving all issues relating to vacant and derelict land, I am confident that it will create further opportunities to redevelop our neglected built heritage and identify much-needed property to benefit generations to come. This work represents a significant shift in our operations and will enable us to increase and improve our services as a public body.”
“I look forward to hearing about the project’s progress in due course.”
More information will be published on the KLTR’s website as the project develops.