How to Effectively Settle Boundary and Neighbour Disputes

Neighbour disputes concerning boundaries are, unfortunately, not a rare occurrence. Tensions can arise if one neighbour decides to build on their neighbour’s land or grow trees and plants that overhang, whether this be deliberate or accidental. There are other various reasons why neighbours may engage in land disputes, but there are cost-effective legal services available to help you build your case and advise you on whether you have a claim worth pursuing.

Here at Taylor Bracewell Solicitors in Doncaster and Sheffield, we understand that early intervention is crucial when a boundary dispute between neighbours occurs. Therefore, we aim to provide all of our clients with the expert legal advice needed to build their claim, providing support throughout their case. From boundary fence disputes to issues with shared driveways, we are here to help.

Different Types of Neighbour and Boundary Disputes

There are various reasons why neighbours may enter into a dispute concerning their land and boundaries. Sometimes, it can escalate into more than just a little disagreement.  It is often the case that individuals will have to take legal action before their issues spiral out of control. Neighbours can disagree on a range of issues, but the most common include, but are not limited to:

• The construction or maintenance of a shared fence
• Repairs to property that is on or near to the boundary

• Shared driveways
• Overhanging foliage or trees
• Housing extensions
• Where Rights of way over neighbouring land runs

Disputes usually occur when the neighbours cannot agree where the boundary lies.  If an area of land has substantial value, there can be costs incurred when building on or moving over the boundary. In order to resolve a land or property dispute, qualified solicitors can assist in assessing the boundary and helping you build your case against your neighbour. To find out more about the various legal services we provide, please visit us here.

Determining a Boundary Line

One of the first steps you should take when attempting to determine the boundary is by checking the title deeds. Contacting the Land Registry may also be a step you can take; however, it is advised that you check for one of these relevant documents before making a claim to ensure that you have the grounds for pursuing legal action.  Obtaining your Conveyancing file from when you purchased can assist, particularly with ascertaining what your sellers advised regarding the boundary on purchase.

Here at Taylor Bracewell, we can arrange for measurements and photos to be taken by an expert to determine where the boundary lies at your property, helping you build your case from the start, and implementing alternative dispute resolution procedures to assist you and your neighbour in settling your differences.

How Can I Resolve a Boundary Dispute?

First of all, you should seek the help of a qualified solicitor as soon as possible.  It may be that we advise you speak to your neighbour informally to see if an agreement can be reached.  But this would only be after speaking to us, to make sure that any discussions you have do not in fact undermine your position or ability to bring a claim in the future.  We can then run through with you the best course of action to take.

If you would like to arrange a consultation to discuss your case, please get in touch with us today by filling out our online contact form here.