Three local women have initiated proceedings to claim a small, undeveloped parcel of land in Sydney's affluent Mosman suburb under adverse possession laws, often referred to as squatter's rights. The 165-square-meter block, located on Raglan Street and just 250 meters from Balmoral Beach, is reportedly valued similarly to a recently sold nearby lot that fetched over $650,000.
The women, who reside in a two-bedroom cottage situated at the front of the property, lodged a legal notice on July 2, formally declaring their claim to the land. This action asserts their possessory title.
In New South Wales, adverse possession allows individuals to claim ownership of land if they have openly and continuously occupied it for a minimum of 12 years without the permission of the legal owner. The Registrar-General of NSW is expected to approve the transfer of the block to the three women in early August, provided no objections are formally lodged.
The land's historical ownership traces back to the early 1900s, with Walter William Wallace Walker listed as the original owner. The property was transferred through several hands, including to his wife Mary Walker in 1919, Ernest Alfred Wallace Walker in 1950, and the Public Trustee in 1977. It later passed to Marjorie Ella Bagnall in 1986. One of the current applicants shares a surname with this most recent owner. However, the small strip of land itself has remained in Mr. Walker's name throughout these transactions.
Any party with a competing claim to the 165-square-meter lot must submit their objection by August 2. Inquiries regarding the land title can be directed to the NSW Land Registry Services.