Landowner with dementia targeted by housebuilder
© Adobe Stock An elderly landowner with dementia has been approached by a UK housing developer who secured a pre-sale agreement during an unsolicited home visit, raising alarms about the vulnerability of older farmers.
In September, having gathered information from the land registry, the firm arrived uninvited at the owner’s house, where he was living alone and relying on morning and evening dementia carers for support.
The builders engaged the owner in discussions that culminated in the signing of a “Head of Terms” document, outlining the key elements of a potential land sale.
See also: What’s behind the rise in farmland sales in 2024
The situation came to light the following day when family members, who have requested anonymity, discovered business cards and paperwork left behind from the meeting.
Fortunately, the relative in question has a lasting power of attorney (LPA) in place, which would require additional signatures for any land sale to proceed.
However, had this approach and subsequent meeting occurred a few years earlier, before an official diagnosis of dementia and additional LPA safeguards, the outcome might have been significantly different.
This incident highlights a potential issue where vulnerable older individuals, particularly those owning substantial farmland, may be approached in similar ways.
The family has filed a formal complaint against the housing developer.
The company has stated that they will investigate the circumstances of the visit and make any necessary changes to their processes.
Tips for when visitors turn up unannounced
- If you have an unexpected visitor at your door, always ask to see their ID
- If someone claims to be from a recognised organisation, ask to see proof or check with the organisation itself
- If possible, call a friend or family member to let them know that someone you don’t recognise has come to the house and discuss why they have called
- Don’t be afraid to shut the front door while you check they are who they say they are
- Consider putting a ‘no cold callers’ sign on your front door – available from some local councils and online
- Remember it’s okay to keep the door closed to strangers
Source: Alzheimer’s UK
Helpline contact information
- If you need advice or support with any aspect of dementia, contact Dementia UK’s free Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 or email helpline@dementiauk.org.
- Dementia UK has recently partnered with Nationwide Building Society to offer specialist financial guidance to people affected by dementia. To book an appointment, visit dementiauk.org/nationwide.
- For information on lasting power of attorney, visit Lasting power of attorney – Dementia UK.
Have you experienced a similar situation? If so, please contact albie.matthews@markallengroup.com.