Important Legal Definitions
Explore legal terms, clear definitions and practical examples.
Proprietary Estoppel
Principles of Natural Justice & Equity
Definition
An equitable principle that arises when an owner of land allows or encourages another to spend money or alter their position under the expectation of acquiring an interest in the land, preventing the owner from asserting absolute title without compensating the occupant.
Example
A landowner permits a family member to construct a two-story residential house on a vacant family plot, assuring them that the land will be deeded to them; after construction is completed, the landowner is barred by proprietary estoppel from evicting the occupant.