Q: How can I acquire an abandoned parcel of land next to my home that has no record of ownership or taxes being paid?
The property is located in Hancock County, Maine and is approximately 0.3 acres. It is landlocked by 4 other properties and does not have street access. When I originally inquired about the property town hall couldn't find records for either ownership or taxes. They did some research and later told me that EMERA took over this property and paid taxes on it when they took over Bangor Hydro. When I contacted the real estate department at EMERA they said that was not true. I talked to the head of the department who has been with EMERA, formerly Bangor Hydro, formerly Stonington deer Isle Power for over 25 years. He sent me documents verifying non ownership. What is the process for acquiring a piece of property that has been abandoned for more than 50 years with no record of ownership and no taxes being paid? Thank you
A:
I don't know what "documents verifying non ownership" would be, other than a statement by them that they don't think they own it.
You need to do a title search to figure out who has record title. If it is landlocked, chances are that one or more of the adjoining properties, and this piece, were owned by the same owner. So trace back the chain of title of those adjoining properties to find a deed which may have mistakenly left this piece out.
Or, if it is sold for non-payment of taxes (and now that the county knows about it I would expect that it will eventually be sold), you can try to buy it.
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