Boundary disputes can be incredibly frustrating. Whether it's a disagreement with a neighbour or an issue involving a public boundary, knowing exactly where your property ends and another begins is crucial, but not always straightforward. Having experienced boundary dispute solicitors by your side can make all the difference, helping you navigate these disputes with clarity and confidence.
Establishing property boundaries is rarely as simple as consulting planning documentations as there can be conflicting evidence, difficulties in resolving disputes where boundaries are violated by structures such as fences and walls, and sometimes the need to progress matters to court.
At Clifton Ingram, our neighbour dispute solicitors can provide effective assistance with resolving boundary disputes in a timely manner with minimal disruption. No matter how complicated your property management has become, we can provide solutions that are practical and effective, and will work to resolve breakdowns in communication between you and your neighbours wherever possible.
In addition to our services concerning boundary disputes, we also provide additional assistance with dispute resolution matters. For immediate support, please contact our team, or you can read our FAQS to learn more about UK boundary disputes.
Contact our Boundary Dispute Solicitors in Farnham, Reading and Wokingham today
Our team work from offices in Farnham, Reading and Wokingham. We advise on boundary disputes all over Berkshire, as well as Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey and further afield.
Speak to one of our boundary dispute solicitors today by calling 0118 978 0099 or using the contact form at the bottom of the page and we will respond quickly.
Why trust Clifton Ingram for boundary dispute advice?
- One of the leading boundary dispute teams in the Thames Valley and M3 Corridor, through to Surrey and surrounding areas.
- Regularly providing advice to clients in Farnham, Reading and Wokingham and across all of Berkshire and the surrounding areas, including Bracknell, Theale, Henley, Ascot, Crowthorne, Maidenhead, Camberley, Farnborough and Windsor.
- Strong rankings in the impressive and respected client guide The Legal 500
- Accredited by the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) in recognition of the outstanding service, quality and expertise that we provide to our residential property clients
- Decades of experience with resolving complex and high-value boundary dispute issues
- Transparency on all costs and fees associated with legal assistance
- Proactive approach to communication that keeps you in the loop all throughout your time with us
- Impeccable service quality tailored to your needs
Our boundary dispute services include:
- Damage done to your land by a neighbour
- Encroachment from neighbouring buildings
- Adverse possession
- Rights of way
Our boundary dispute services
Damage done to your land by a neighbour
Disputes over land damages are prone to escalation, particularly when property boundaries are unclear or in contention. If your neighbour has damaged your land directly or indirectly, such as through water run-off or careless construction, then you may have a case to take legal action.
Our boundary dispute solicitors can review the damages and asses the cause and extent of your case, before advising on your options and the most appropriate course of action. This could include negotiating directly with the neighbour, collecting evidence from experts, initiating formal claims for compensation, and potentially applying for an injunction to prevent further damages.
Encroachment from neighbouring buildings
Encroachment is when a neighbour's structure or building crosses over the boundary and into your land, either above, across, on, or below ground. For example, hanging roofs or guttering, scaffolding, or footings could all encroach on your land.
Our boundary dispute solicitors can help you to determine whether or not the encroachment is unlawful and what remedies might be available for you to pursue, such as removal of the structure, compensation, or potentially negotiating a formal easement. We can review relevant deeds and title plans, talk to your neighbour or their solicitor, and will work diligently to provide a solution no matter what.
Adverse possession
Adverse possession refers to where someone occupies land for a set period of time that they have no legal ownership over in order to eventually claim ownership. If you are dealing with a neighbour who has been using part of your land without permission, then you may need to guard against them asserting legal rights to the property.
It is crucial to act quickly, and our boundary disputes team can step in to prevent or challenge adverse possession claims on your behalf. We will take a comprehensive review of the land’s history, your prior interactions with the neighbours, and the title documentation, as well as prepare a legal defence to protect your property.
Where necessary, we will also engage with the Land Registry to submit an objection to any adverse possession claims that have been made. Should matters involve the court, rest assured that we will provide robust representation on your behalf.
Rights of way
A right of way permits someone to cross over land which they do not own. Disputes are prone to arise when access has been used to create a nuisance or damage, or when that access was formerly granted but is now blocked, often relating to assets such as private roads, footpaths, or shared driveways.
Our solicitors can establish whether a right of way exists and if so, whether it has been abused or interfered with, and how you can react. We will assess all legal documents involved, such as deeds or evidence of historic use, and take steps to challenge and enforce right of way where necessary.
Learn more about boundary disputes
- What is a boundary dispute?
- What are the most common causes of boundary disputes?
- How can I find out where my property boundaries are?
- Can I resolve a boundary dispute without going to court?
- How much does it cost to resolve a boundary dispute?
What is a boundary dispute?
A boundary dispute is where a disagreement arises between two or more neighbours about the location of the line that divides their properties. Typically, these disputes will relate to who owns a particular section of the land or an asset on it, such as a wall, fence, or tree. It is important to establish ownership because it determines both permissions to use and responsibility to maintain it.
A boundary line dispute specifically can involve any particular section of space and most commonly arises when there is an intent to build new fencing or extensions. Our boundary solicitors are experienced in managing complex and standard boundary disputes with neighbours, preserving relationships where possible and establishing your rights.
What are the most common causes of boundary disputes?
UK Boundary Disputes cases most often arise around a misunderstanding or disagreement over land ownership, for example:
- Unclear or inaccurate property title plans
- Disagreements over fences or boundary walls
- Construction or landscaping leading to encroachment
- Long-term use of land without expressed permission leading to adverse possession
- Arguments over maintenance of fences or walls
Fence disputes, boundary wall disputes, and uncertainty over house boundaries left or right are particularly common when a homeowner seeks to make changes to outdoor spaces.
How can I find out where my property boundaries are?
You are advised to first check your title deeds and documents from the Land Registry. Quite often these will include a plan outlining the general boundary of the property. Unfortunately, these plans are sometimes inaccurate or lacking in detail, so in order to resolve a boundary dispute with a neighbour, a boundary solicitor can engage a surveyor who can help to clarify matters.
Can I resolve a boundary dispute without going to court?
Yes you can. Most of the time, how to resolve a boundary dispute comes down to negotiation and mediation without litigation involved, as in many cases both parties stand to benefit from settling matters quickly and at minimal costs. Making an effort to negotiate can lead to an organic solution between you and your neighbours.
How much does it cost to resolve a boundary dispute?
The expenses involved in resolving a boundary line dispute will vary according to the complexity of the case. Where the matter can be settled through informal communication, costs will be relatively low, but when the court or Land Registry gets involved, costs can start to build up quickly.
Boundary disputes can become notoriously expensive and it is therefore vital that the parties attempt to resolve matters without recourse to the Court.
Our Boundary Dispute Solicitor’s fees
Clifton Ingram prefers upfront, clear costs estimates wherever possible and will ensure that you receive an accurate estimation of the fees that our work will incur.
We will offer a realistic fee range so that you can progress with us with a clear idea of your financial involvement.
To find out more information about our boundary dispute solicitors’ fees, please get in touch using the contact details below.
Contact our Boundary Dispute Solicitors in Farnham, Reading and Wokingham today
Our team work from offices in Farnham, Reading and Wokingham. We advise on boundary disputes all over Berkshire, as well as Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey and further afield.
Speak to one of our boundary dispute solicitors today by calling 0118 978 0099 or using the contact form at the bottom of the page and we will respond quickly.
Alternatively talk to someone now via our .