In a world where many of us live in close proximity to our neighbours, it’s not uncommon for confusion regarding boundaries to arise. However, when handled correctly, a boundary dispute doesn’t have to mean falling out with your neighbours. Many boundary issues can be resolved amicably and fairly.
Boundary Disputes Solicitors
In short
A boundary dispute is a disagreement with a neighbour about exactly where your property ends and theirs begins, or about who’s responsible for maintaining a shared fence, wall or hedge. Your title deeds and the Land Registry plan are usually the starting point, but they don’t always give a precise answer, which is where further investigation — and a solicitor — can help. Call 08082747557 for a free initial assessment.
What counts as a boundary dispute?
Living close to other people, it’s not uncommon for confusion over boundaries to arise. Common examples include disagreement over exactly where a boundary line runs, who owns and is responsible for maintaining a fence, wall or hedge between two properties, a neighbour building an extension, shed or driveway that encroaches onto your land, or a dispute over a shared access way.
Most boundaries are what’s legally known as “general boundaries” — the Land Registry’s plan shows roughly where a boundary sits, but not its precise legal line to the centimetre. That means the title deeds for your property, and your neighbour’s, are usually the first place to look, but they don’t always settle the matter conclusively.
How we investigate a boundary dispute
Where the deeds don’t provide a clear answer, we can investigate further — looking at historical title documents, Ordnance Survey maps, and physical evidence such as the age and position of existing boundary features, to build the clearest possible picture of where the legal boundary lies.
Not sure where you stand with a neighbour over a boundary? Call 08082747557 for a free initial assessment.
Resolving the dispute
Wherever possible, we aim to resolve boundary disputes through negotiation with your neighbour, or through mediation, rather than going to court — it’s usually faster, cheaper, and much better for a relationship you’ll likely need to maintain for years to come as neighbours. Where agreement isn’t possible, we can advise on your options, including applying to the Land Registry to formally determine the boundary, or court proceedings as a last resort.
If the dispute specifically concerns a shared wall, or building work near a boundary, it may fall under different rules covered by our party walls guidance rather than a boundary dispute as such. And if the disagreement has spread beyond the boundary itself into wider conflict with a neighbour, see our page on neighbour disputes and anti-social behaviour.
Related Services
- Get advice on a shared wall or building work near a boundary Party Walls
- Resolve a wider dispute with a neighbour Neighbour Disputes and Anti-Social Behaviour
- Resolve a dispute over a property contract Contract Disputes
- Get general advice on a housing dispute Housing Disputes
- Formally transfer ownership of a property Transfer of Title
- Instruct a solicitor to handle your house move Conveyancing