Ask a solicitor: Is it worth it to risk building a home on family land without title?

The fact planning permission was obtained with your aunt’s cooperation does not, in itself, give rise to ownership rights. However, that does not necessarily mean that you have no legal protection

In the absence of a transfer of title or a long-term lease, the legal owner of the land is also regarded as the owner of the dwelling, regardless of who paid for its construction.

Dear Jane, 

About 10 years ago, my aunt allowed me to place a modular home on part of her farm so that I could live close by and help her as she got older.