Boundary Disputes and Disputes with Neighbours 

When you are faced with a dispute with a neighbour, you are likely to have two choices: 

• Work out a compromise through/negotiation or mediation (Alternative Dispute Resolution); or
• Embark on litigation in the Courts.

We always consider mediation in the first instance which can if successful be the most cost-effective and speedy route to a compromise.  When you’re facing litigation, we aim to explain matters clearly to our clients at the outset and to give them a reasonable idea of their prospects of success, either pursuing or defending a claim. We work closely with clients, barristers and experts (if required) and attend meetings if required off site and out of hours. 

Many property disputes arise from shared ownership issues, access, parking rights, use of land, tenants or residents’ behaviour, noise levels, wilful damage or destruction of property, lack of planning consent for buildings, extensions or conservatories, damage by excavations, as well as family disputes about parcels of land or inherited property. Whatever the dispute, if mediation, or the initial threat of litigation, does not lead to a satisfactory settlement, we can advise on the most effective route to Court and take the matter further, or defend a case that has been brought against you.

We have a large Property litigation team that is able to advise on the litigation issues surrounding rent/service charge arrears, dilapidations, lease terminations, insolvency related disputes as well as freehold issues.  The Property litigation team can also ascertain the ownership status of common boundaries and designated land through the District Land Registry, in particular where properties share rights of access or rights of way. We can request and review land and property searches going back many years, to research changes in boundaries and ownership over a period of time, which gives our clients a full understanding of the land or boundary that has been contested. The team can also advise about Listed Buildings and registering land and provide advice to Residents’ Associations about their rights and obligations.

Our litigators and mediators deal with cases like yours every day and we have the right level of experience to help you to a successful outcome.