United Kingdom Leading Case factual possessionintention to possesslimitationlimitation of title

JA Pye (Oxford) Ltd v Graham

[2002] UKHL 30; [2003] 1 AC 419

JurisdictionUnited Kingdom

CourtHouse of Lords

Year2002

StatusBinding authority

Key Principle

Adverse possession requires only factual possession (sufficient physical custody and control) coupled with an intention to possess (animus possidendi) for the limitation period; it does not require an intention to own, nor any inconsistency with the paper owner's future intended use, nor knowledge of who the true owner is.

Area of Law

Land & Property

Related Cases

Prudential Assurance Co Ltd v London Residuary Body [1991] UKHL 10; [1992] 2 AC 386

Abbey National Building Society v Cann [1990] UKHL 3; [1991] 1 AC 56

Lloyds Bank plc v Rosset [1990] UKHL 14; [1991] 1 AC 107

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