What Are Boundary Disputes?

By Sarah Oakley

Where a dispute arises with a neighbour about a boundary it can be a complex and distressing time.   Failing to resolve a boundary dispute successfully can lead to a falling out with your neighbour or difficulties when trying to sell your home.

The most common boundary disputes occur when the Position of the Boundary is unclear.

Uncertainty about the position of the boundary often arises because title plans will very often show the general boundary to your property rather than a definitive boundary.  In addition, boundary features such as a fence, wall or hedge can deteriorate.

Alternatively, neighbours can disagree about whose land the boundary feature is built on, whether the boundary feature is a shared responsibility or whether the boundary feature was built in the correct position at the outset.

Instead of talking to a neighbour about making changes to the boundary, it is not uncommon for a neighbour to take matters into their own hands by physically moving the boundary fence, hedge or wall.

Very often this occurs despite the boundary feature being in situ for a number of years. It can also occur where a homeowner is building an extension up to the boundary.

If you do have a dispute with your neighbour then we would recommend:

• Talking to your neighbour in an appropriate manner that does not inflame the situation
• Obtain the relevant title documents from the Land Registry
• Speak to a solicitor in the Dispute Resolution team at Sampson Coward

Contact Sarah Oakley on 01722 428824 for further information or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sarah Oakley