Boundary Dispute Solicitors Manchester – AFG Law

Disputes involving neighbours can be stressful, particularly when they involve questions of property boundaries. Whether you are experiencing a disagreement over a fence line, access rights, or encroachment of land, boundary disputes can escalate quickly and impact both your home life and the value of your property. If you are facing such a situation, our experienced boundary dispute solicitors in Greater Manchester will work with you to find the best possible outcome and achieve a resolution that avoids any unnecessary amounts of stress or costs.

Get in touch today to find out if AFG Law could help you resolve your dispute.

What Is a Boundary Dispute?

A boundary dispute arises when two neighbouring property owners disagree about the position, ownership, or use of the boundary that separates their land. This could involve:

• The location of fences, walls, or hedges
• Encroachment of buildings or extensions
• Disagreements over rights of way or easements
• Shared driveways or access points
• Garden boundaries and maintenance responsibilities

Even small differences in opinion can lead to significant tensions between neighbours, especially where longstanding assumptions or informal arrangements have existed. Our neighbour dispute solicitors provide expert legal advice and assistance to help you resolve your issue.

Common Causes of Boundary Disputes

Boundary disputes can occur for several reasons, including:

• Inaccurate title plans: Land Registry plans are based on Ordnance Survey maps, which are not always precise enough to determine exact boundaries.
• Unclear or missing boundary markers: When fences, hedges, or walls deteriorate or are moved, uncertainty can arise.
• Historic agreements or informal arrangements: Over time, neighbours may come to informal understandings that later become contentious, especially after a property sale.
• Extensions or new constructions: Building close to or over a boundary can trigger disputes if one party feels their land or rights have been infringed.

Boundaries and the Law

In England and Wales, the legal boundary between properties is defined by the title deeds. However, determining the exact position often requires examining historical documents, Land Registry records, and even engaging a chartered surveyor. The boundary shown on a title plan is referred to as the “general boundary” and is not definitive. Therefore, resolving such disputes often requires a combination of legal and technical expertise.

If you are dealing with a neighbour dispute in Manchester or the surrounding areas, it is crucial to seek legal advice early. Escalating the issue without professional input may damage relations and reduce your chances of a favourable resolution.

Resolving a Boundary Dispute

There are a few different ways you can resolve a boundary dispute. Determining which is best suited to you and your situation really depends on how well you and the other party are co-operating with one another.

The different ways to resolve a boundary dispute include:

• Mediation
• Professional surveys
• Boundary agreement
• Deed of rectification

No matter which method of resolution you are aiming to use, we always recommend you consult a dispute resolution solicitor. Boundary disputes can be extremely complex, which is why it is wise to have an experienced solicitor to help you.

How Our Boundary Dispute Solicitors, Manchester Can Help

At our Manchester-based firm, we have a team of solicitors with extensive experience in dealing with boundary disputes and neighbour disagreements. Our approach is tailored, focusing on practical solutions that protect your rights while aiming to preserve neighbourly relationships wherever possible.

We can assist with:

• Reviewing title deeds and historical documents
• Instructing professional land surveyors
• Advising on adverse possession claims
• Drafting boundary agreements
• Initiating or defending court proceedings
• Mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR)

Our goal is always to achieve a resolution without unnecessary conflict or cost. In many cases, boundary disputes can be settled through clear communication and legal clarification, avoiding the need for court action.

Our specialist boundary dispute solicitors, Manchester have years of experience with boundary disputes and have successfully negotiated many favourable outcomes for our clients with issues including:

• Boundary positioning
• Trespassing issues
• Encroachment by trees
• Encroachment by neighbouring trees
• Changes agreed between neighbours but not recorded by deed and/or on the Land Registry titles
• The lack of accurate scale measurement from Land Registry and Ordnance Survey plans
• The Land Registry General Boundaries Rule

Adverse Possession and Boundary Disputes

In some cases, a neighbour may claim ownership of land through adverse possession, commonly known as “squatters’ rights”. If a person has occupied land without permission for a specific period (usually 10 or 12 years, depending on the circumstances), they may apply to become the legal owner.

Our solicitors can advise you on how to respond to adverse possession claims, or how to make a claim if you believe you’ve acquired rights over land through long-term use.

Why Choose AFG Law’s Boundary Dispute Solicitors, Manchester?

At AFG Law, our Manchester based solicitors are experts in their field, meaning you can be confident in our advice and decisions to help get the right outcome for you.

We have a wealth of experience in handling cases and claims involving boundary disputes and we can act quickly to protect your interests, whether that is related to a domestic issue, landowner or commercial property.

For expert legal advice on boundary disputes, get in touch with our knowledgeable team today to find how we can help you.