Boundary Dispute Solicitors

Disagreements over property boundaries can quickly become stressful and emotional. What may begin as a simple question over a fence, wall or hedge can escalate into a dispute that affects your home life and relationship with your neighbours.

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Boundary disputes can arise for many reasons, including uncertainty over ownership, disagreements about maintenance responsibilities or concerns about land being used or altered without permission.

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At Talbots Law, our experienced property dispute solicitors provide clear, practical advice to help resolve boundary disputes efficiently and with as little conflict as possible. We take the time to understand your circumstances and explore the most appropriate route to achieving a resolution.

Whether your dispute involves a fence line, encroachment onto land or disagreement over title boundaries, our boundary dispute solicitors can help.

Get in touch with us today on 0800 118 1500 or complete the form below.

What is a Boundary Dispute?

A boundary dispute arises when neighbouring property owners disagree about where a property boundary is located or who owns or is responsible for a particular area of land.

Common disputes can involve:

Fence or wall locations
Hedges and trees
Encroachment onto land
Access rights
Rights of way
Ownership of shared boundaries
Maintenance responsibilities

In many cases, the exact position of a boundary is not always as straightforward as people expect. Land Registry title plans often show only general boundaries rather than precise measurements.

Find out more in our frequently asked questions below.

Why choose Talbots’ Boundary Dispute Solicitors?

Boundary disputes can affect more than just property ownership. They can place strain on neighbour relationships and create uncertainty around your home. Our specialist dispute resolution team provides practical advice that is focused on achieving an outcome that works for you. We take the time to understand the history of your situation, explain your options clearly and support you throughout the process.

Where possible, we will seek to resolve matters through negotiation and practical solutions, helping to avoid unnecessary stress, delay and expense.

With offices across the country and a team of specialists covering a wide range of legal services, we are able to provide practical advice tailored to your individual circumstances. As an employee-owned firm, we are committed to delivering exceptional service, clear communication and legal support you can trust. Our reputation is reflected in the thousands of positive reviews we have received from happy clients. Read our Trustpilot reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can boundary disputes be resolved without going to court?

Yes. Many boundary disputes can be resolved without formal court proceedings.

Open discussions, negotiation and mediation can often help parties reach an agreement before positions become entrenched. Mediation is frequently encouraged as an alternative to litigation and can help avoid lengthy and expensive disputes.

Where an agreement cannot be reached, legal action may sometimes become necessary.

How can I find out where my property boundary is?

When property is registered with the Land Registry, a drawing known as a Title Plan is created, which is based on the large scale Ordnance Survey mapping. This defines the general boundaries of the property. If this is not already in your possession, you can find it through the Land Registry for a small fee.

However, it’s important to note that the Title Plan only shows the general position, not the exact line of the boundaries. It could be subject to distortions of scale and therefore should not be used to accurately define what you have legal ownership to. Ultimately, the original owners of the property define its legal boundaries. However, if there is no evidence to prove the history of a property’s boundary, matters could complicate slightly. The decision falls to both the property owner and their neighbour to decide on an exact line and create a legal document to record this. This is where boundary disputes occur, and require expert legal assistance in order to find swift resolution.

Can I move a fence if I believe it is on my land?

Not necessarily. Before moving a fence or making changes to a boundary feature, it is important to establish ownership and understand your legal position.

While you may believe a fence has been installed on your land, boundaries are not always as straightforward as they appear. Title plans, historic documents, previous agreements and the physical features of a property can all influence where the legal boundary sits.

Acting without taking advice could escalate an existing dispute and, in some circumstances, lead to allegations of trespass or property damage. Seeking legal advice before taking action can help you understand your options and avoid creating further complications.

Do Land Registry plans show exact boundaries?

In most cases, no. Land Registry title plans generally show the general position of boundaries rather than precise legal boundary lines.

Many people assume that Land Registry plans provide exact measurements, but this is not usually the case. The plans are intended to identify land ownership and are often based on large-scale mapping, meaning the thickness of a boundary line on a plan can represent a significant distance on the ground.

Where there is uncertainty about the position of a boundary, further evidence may need to be considered. This can include title deeds, historic conveyancing documents, photographs, planning records and, in some cases, input from a specialist surveyor. Legal advice can help determine the most appropriate next steps where a dispute arises.