finding out house information (looks like it's derelict/abandoned)

[SidewinderINC]

Hi all,

Is there any easy way of finding out info about houses that look like they're abandoned or not lived in?

There's a really nice looking house around the corner from us (http://goo.gl/maps/Gs1Bx) that is now completely overgrown, covered in graffiti and the outsides of the wooden window frames are starting to rot away. You can barely get to the front door from the gate, but think it would be a little awkward/rude to just go and knock the door if somebody does live there.

This question is not specific to this house, there have been loads of houses we have seen in the past that look like they could be really nice but are overgrown and look like they're abandoned.

I tried calling the council about one previously that was boarded up and got nowhere they said they couldn't give any information out.

Anyone have any experience of stuff like this before?

Cheers

Matt.