Boundary Disputes

Unfortunately boundary disputes appear to becoming more commonplace, in particular between suburban rear gardens.  Boundary disputes can be immensely stressful for the parties involved, taking up a large part of their lives if left to become protracted.  This is where the appointment of a Chartered Building Surveyor can be highly beneficial, to duly ascertain the background to the dispute, get to the facts and hopefully reach an amicable settlement between the parties.

In dealing with boundary disputes our involvement is usually as follows:

• Initial client enquiry and taking and interpreting the client’s brief;
• Discussing with the client and/or the client’s solicitor the matter in dispute;
• Examination of deeds, leases and other legal documentation;
• Undertaking a detailed measurement survey of the disputed boundary;
• Provision of a Boundary Demarcation report, including an accurate to scale CAD drawing of the disputed boundary;
• Negotiating with the other party and/or their surveyor;
• If necessary, attend court to give evidence.

Mr M Franks BSc(Hons) MRICS is a member of the Neighbour Dispute Specialist panel run by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (the RICS).