Lawyers reveal how to deal with nightmare neighbours and boundary disputes

Property law experts have shared their advice on how to resolve boundary disputes with neighbours over fences, trees and property expansions before resorting to court

While many individuals coexist peacefully with those living next door, this isn’t always the reality. A strained relationship with neighbours can prove incredibly stressful – particularly when problems arise.

Amongst the most frequent issues that emerge between neighbours are boundary disputes. When your neighbour believes they have ownership of a section of land that you consider yours, tensions can rapidly intensify, especially if either party wishes to alter the property or land.

Richard Chapman, a property litigation specialist at Helix Law, explained: “People often suffer in silence because they’re unsure of their legal rights when it comes to neighbour disputes.”

For this reason, he has offered his expertise on resolving a border dispute before matters deteriorate.

According to him, examining the documentation first is crucial to establish ownership, reports the Express.

Richard explained: “The starting point for boundary disputes is to check the property deeds and plans registered with the Land Registry.”

However, while this provides a helpful foundation, Richard cautioned it may not always be straightforward.

He continued: “These aren’t definitive and it can be necessary to obtain a declaration from the court, especially as boundaries can change over time through agreements or long-term use.”

Sophie Campbell-Adams, a solicitor at Britton and Time who has specialised in property law since 2016, told the Express last month that boundary disputes typically revolve around three key areas: fencing, trees and property expansions.

She explained: “Damaged or rotting fences are a leading cause of neighbour and boundary disputes. When you buy a house with a garden, you’ll normally be responsible for some of the fences along the boundary.

“If these are damaged for whatever reason, it’s your responsibility to repair them and refusing to do so can lead to a dispute.”

Trees overhanging boundaries or toppling during storms and causing damage represent another frequent problem. Establishing clear ownership of trees is crucial, as mistakenly removing one that isn’t yours could leave you liable for its replacement.

She advised that initially, residents should attempt to resolve matters through direct conversation with their neighbour.

Many disagreements can be settled through straightforward dialogue. Legal action should only be considered as a final option, given the substantial costs involved – and even a successful outcome means continuing to live alongside the neighbour you’ve taken to court.