Boundary disputes & surveying, made clear
A self-serve library of clear, practical articles on boundaries, fences, trees and boundary disputes — how the legal line is determined, and how disagreements are resolved without unnecessary cost.
Evidence-led guidance
- 31 boundary articles
- Boundary disputes are evidence disputes
- By Karmjit Grewal
Browse by category
Finding the boundary
Where the legal line runs, the evidence that decides it, and how a surveyor establishes it.
Browse →6 articlesFences & features
Who owns the fence, replacing and maintaining it, and what a neighbour may attach.
Browse →2 articlesTrees & hedges
Overhanging branches, and what to do when tree roots cause damage.
Browse →7 articlesDisputes & encroachment
When a neighbour builds over the line, and how encroachment is dealt with.
Browse →4 articlesResolving disputes
Settling without court, what litigation costs, and why court is the last resort.
Browse →3 articlesBuying & ownership
Adverse possession, how boundaries change, and what to check before you buy.
Browse →1 articleCase law
Key decisions that shape boundary and boundary-wall disputes.
Browse →Popular boundary articles
Boundary disputes explained: the complete homeowner’s guide
A plain-English guide to boundaries for homeowners — how they are determined, the common flashpoints over fences and trees, and how to resolve disputes. The recurring theme: boundary disputes are evidence disputes.
Finding the boundaryHow do I find the exact boundary of my property?
There is rarely one definitive answer. The exact boundary is usually established by weighing several pieces of evidence together — title plans, deeds, historic documents, physical features and what is found on site.
Fences & featuresWho owns the fence between two properties?
There is no general rule that the left- or right-hand fence is “yours”. Fence ownership is established from the deeds, any T-marks on the plans and historical evidence — and is often uncertain, so it should not be assumed.
Trees & hedgesCan I cut overhanging branches?
You generally have a right to cut branches that overhang your boundary back to the line — but the right is not unlimited. You cannot trespass to do it, the cuttings remain your neighbour’s, and protected trees need consent.
Disputes & encroachmentMy neighbour has built on my land – what should I do?
First establish the facts. Whether something has actually been built over the boundary — and where the boundary truly lies — is an evidence question. Acting before you understand the evidence can make the dispute harder and more expensive.
Disputes & encroachmentWhat is encroachment?
Encroachment is where a structure or feature — a shed, garage, extension, wall, eaves or roots — extends over the boundary onto a neighbour’s land. Small encroachments can have significant legal consequences if left unresolved.
Resolving disputesHow can I resolve a boundary dispute without going to court?
Most boundary disputes can be narrowed or resolved without court — through direct discussion, an objective expert opinion, mediation, or a boundary agreement. The key is that both sides understand the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence.
Buying & ownershipWhat should I check about boundaries before buying a property?
Before buying, review the title plan and deeds, check the seller’s replies for any disclosed dispute, and walk the boundaries on site. Identifying boundary concerns before purchase avoids expensive surprises later.
Finding the boundaryDoes the Land Registry show the exact boundary?
No. Land Registry title plans show “general boundaries” only — they are based on Ordnance Survey mapping and are not an exact record of the legal line. Many disputes start from the wrong assumption that they are.
Boundary services & tools
Boundary services
How we help with boundary identification and disputes. Explore →
The boundary process
What to expect, step by step. See the process →
Glossary of terms
Plain-English definitions used throughout. Open glossary →