Is it worth fighting over a fence? Sometimes, the most vicious boundary battles can happen over the tiniest property plot, which is common among homeowners. In some instances, neighbours may quarrel over a spruce tree on a property line. Although these neighbours’ quarrels may seem minor or insignificant, they may have far-reaching consequences.
If you are currently engaged in such a scenario or feel that you may be involved in one soon, this handy guide will walk you through the processes of dealing with a boundary dispute with a neighbour and where you should find help.
What Is A Boundary Dispute?
Property boundary disagreements are a common occurrence that may negatively influence your associations with your neighbours. These conflicts often emerge when parties are unaware of where their respective property divisions lay. Fencing divides, trees, shrubs, paths, and, in more extensive situations, additions and construction activity are typical examples of boundary disputes with neighbours.
What Are The Reasons That Contribute To Boundary Disputes With Neighbours?
The reasons why parties involved may be engaged in boundary disputes are many. These may be divided into technical/legal concerns and physical issues.
We may consider the following concerns among the physical issues:
- Right of way
- Pipes and drains’ locations
- Construction of property
- Extensions and improvements to the structure
- Fencing, paths, and hedges may need to be repaired or replaced.
- Physical elements that vary throughout time, such as overhanging foliage
The following are technical and legal reasons that lead to property disputes:
- Adverse possession claims
- A change in a property’s ownership
- Errors made during the conveyancing process
- There isn’t enough information to establish property lines.
- Disparities in mapping methodologies, such as ordinance surveys vs title plans
- There is a lack of clarity or comprehension in the relevant legal papers of property divisions
How Can I Determine The Precise Location Of My Property’s Boundary?
Gathering as much detail as possible regarding your property and its surrounding properties is the first step in establishing an exact border. Check your title documents or do a property title check for further information. This should help you figure out where your property starts and stops.
Moreover, taking the effort to establish an agreement with your neighbour in this manner is considered preferable rather than engaging in an expensive legal struggle over what may equate to just a few yards of land.
How To Settle A Boundary Conflict?
We advise against going to court first without contacting a solicitor since you might end up paying thousands of dollars in legal expenses over a few millimetres. A fence, tree, or overhanging branches may cost a lot of money.
To settle boundary disputes, it is probable that you will hire an expert to conduct a land survey, examine deeds, and conduct historical and legal research. Also, there may be alternative evidence or a record of adverse possession, for instance, which will be considered when evaluating each piece of proof.
When your disagreement is resolved, you may notify the Land Registry of your revised property boundaries. The boundary line is now a Boundary Agreement under the Land Registration Act 2002, which is now legally bound.
How Can Property Registry Help?
Boundary disputes with a neighbour may be confusing at times, upsetting, and significantly influence your everyday life. We recommend that you evaluate your property boundaries by completing a Land Registry Search—This is where Property Registry can help.
We have complete online access to England and Wales land registry, and you can search for title deed or ownership of any property. You can search for a property’s title deeds, a title plan, or a title register and receive the document by email—convenient and hassle-free.
We’re here to help, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions or concerns.