The complications of building a house where you don’t own the site

Legal advice for farmers

Don't start building a house if you are still waiting for the site to be signed over to you. If something goes wrong,  the building would legally remain in the ownership of the landowner.

Dear Karen,

My father said I could build a house in the home place that he owns. I worked abroad for a good few years, and I have quite a bit of money saved, so I wouldn’t need a mortgage. I have planning permission, and my father has said to get on with the build, and that he will sort out the site transfer in time. I am planning to live in the house with my wife and two children. What would you advise?