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Boundary disputes are among the most common property disagreements in England, and they are frequently some of the most stressful. If you have returned home to find that a fence or wall has been moved, or that a neighbour appears to have built a structure that encroaches on your land, it is understandable to want to act quickly. This guide sets out the key steps to take and the options available to you, whether you are in Reading, the Thames Valley, or beyond.
Do not act impulsively. Removing or repositioning a structure without proper authority could give rise to a civil claim against you. Before doing anything practical, take photographs of the current position of the fence or wall and note the date.
Dig up any historical evidence you may have. Original conveyance documents from when the property was first sold, old photographs, aerial images, and any correspondence about the boundary can all be relevant.
Take note of the general lay of the land. Long-standing features such as hedges, ditches, and mature trees may also provide evidence of where the boundary has historically been treated as lying.
Check your title documents. You can obtain an official copy of your title register and title plan and supplementary Deeds and Conveyances for a small fee through the Land Registry's online portal. It is extremely unlikely that these documents will contain definitive evidence of the location of the boundary line, given the scale on which they work and the general boundaries principle, however they might provide some indication and might also confirm who is responsible for maintenance of the boundary, regardless as to where it precisely sits.
Speak to your neighbour. Where it is safe and appropriate to do so, raising the matter directly with your neighbour is often the quickest route to a resolution. Many boundary disputes stem from misunderstanding rather than deliberate encroachment. A calm conversation can sometimes resolve the matter without any further steps, and it is surprising how few people wish to have the conversation.
Consider instructing a boundary surveyor. A suitably qualified surveyor with experience in boundary disputes can assess the evidence and produce a report on the most likely location of the boundary. Please be aware that your neighbour is under no obligation to agree with or accept the report. However it can indeed resolve disputes or, at the least, make for compelling expert evidence in Court proceedings.
Take legal advice early. A solicitor experienced in boundary disputes can assess the strength of your position, advise on the best approach, and help you avoid steps that might weaken your case or increase costs unnecessarily. They can advise on the numerous ways of attempting to resolve such disputes without raising a claim, and also advise on claims in the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) or the County Court.
Boundary disputes can become very expensive if they reach court, and of course you may be arguing over only a tiny strip of land. This makes early resolution, through negotiation, mediation, or a surveyor, strongly preferable to litigation.
There are a few different ways of recording any agreement on boundary line location, and each comes with their pros, cons and costs. A solicitor can advise you on the various merits.
If you are concerned about a boundary dispute and would like to understand your legal position, Hewetts Solicitors in Reading has extensive experience in advising property owners across Berkshire and the Thames Valley. We can help you assess your options and work towards a resolution that protects your interests. Please contact us for a confidential discussion.
Please follow this link to our Boundary Disputes service page
Oliver Kew - o.kew@hewetts.co.uk
Published on 14/04/2026