Boundary Disputes with Neighbours and How the Law Can Protect You

Most people never give much thought to where one property ends and another begins. That can change quickly when a fence is moved, a neighbour starts building close to your garden, or access to shared land becomes blocked. Boundary disputes can escalate faster than expected, affecting neighbour relationships, property value and, in some cases, business operations.

These disputes can be unsettling, so understanding your position early can bring clarity and prevent matters from escalating unnecessarily, relationships souring and resolution becoming expensive.

What counts as a boundary dispute

Boundary issues arise when there is uncertainty or disagreement about the legal line dividing two pieces of land. Common situations include disputes over fences or walls installed in the wrong place, shared driveways or access routes, extensions or outbuildings crossing onto another property, or commercial developments edging into neighbouring land.

One important point often misunderstood is that Land Registry title plans show only a general boundary. They are not precise measurements, so professional input is sometimes needed to establish the exact legal position.

How legal boundaries are determined

To understand where the boundary truly lies, several sources may be reviewed together. These include historical title deeds, Land Registry plans, past conveyancing records and long-standing physical features such as hedges or walls. Sometimes, older maps or aerial photographs are used to build up the picture.

If there is still uncertainty, a surveyor may be instructed to provide expert measurement and interpretation. The goal is always to uncover the original intention from when the land was first divided.

What is adverse possession?

A significant risk in delayed disputes is adverse possession. If someone occupies land without permission for long enough, they may legally gain rights over it.

For registered land in England and Wales, this period is usually 10 years. If an issue is ignored, a neighbour could potentially claim legal ownership of part of your land, which can reduce property value or impact mortgage lending.

A real-life example in popular culture

The concept of adverse possession even made its way into film. In the Netflix movie Hampstead, Brendan Gleeson’s character, Donald, lives for years in a makeshift cabin on Hampstead Heath. When developers try to evict him, he successfully claims ownership of the land through adverse possession. While this case didn’t involve a neighbour dispute, it highlights how long-term occupation without challenge can lead to legal rights over property.

Neighbour disputes themselves have also been dramatised, albeit in an exaggerated way, in Channel 5’s thriller The Feud. What starts as a simple disagreement over a home extension spirals into obsession, surveillance, and even violence. While the drama is far from typical real-life cases, it’s an interesting watch that shows how boundary issues can become highly emotional and complex.

How boundary disputes are resolved

Not every dispute ends up in court. Many are resolved simply by understanding the legal position and opening a constructive dialogue with the neighbour. Mediation or negotiation can help reach an agreement that works for both sides, without escalating costs.

If negotiation is unsuccessful, formal resolution through a tribunal or court remains available, but mlplaw always aims to keep matters proportionate and focused on the best practical outcome.

How mlplaw can support you

Boundary issues can feel personal and emotionally draining, especially when they affect life at home or the operation of a business site. Our Disputes team has extensive experience assisting clients in:

• Trespass claims
• Property ownership disputes
• Issues linked to development and construction
• Commercial access and encroachment disputes

We help you understand your legal rights, communicate clearly with neighbours and reach a resolution that protects your property interests.

If you are facing a boundary issue, contact our Dispute Resolution team for guidance on 0161 926 9969.