How do I resolve a boundary dispute with my neighbour?

Key facts first

There is usually no record of the exact boundary between 2 properties in England and Wales, or of who owns the fence, wall or hedge between them. A boundary agreement costs £40 to register. A determined boundary costs £90, plus surveyor and solicitor fees. If a determined boundary goes to a tribunal and you lose, you could have to pay your neighbour's costs, so try to agree first.

Step 1: check your title plan

Get your title plan from HM Land Registry's property search. Most plans show "general boundaries". These are approximate, not the exact line. That is normal and usually not a problem.

If you think the title plan has a mistake, you can apply to HM Land Registry to correct it.

Step 2: talk to your neighbour

Try to sort it out informally first. Bring your title plan and any old deeds, photos or plans. Stay calm and focus on facts.

Step 3: try mediation

Mediation is when an independent person (a mediator) helps both sides reach an agreement. It is confidential and usually quicker and cheaper than court.

• In England or Wales, find a mediator through the Civil Mediation Council.
• Your council or housing association may also offer mediation.

Step 4: put the agreement in writing

If you agree, make a boundary agreement. It can record where the boundary is and who looks after the hedge, wall, tree or fence. It cannot be used to sell or give away land.

What to include:

• both your names and addresses
• the date the agreement starts
• where the boundary is: a written description, a marked Ordnance Survey map, or a map you draw

To register it, fill in form AP1, write "To note a boundary agreement" in section 4, and enter £40 as the fee. Send it with a copy of the agreement to HM Land Registry.

Step 5: apply for a determined boundary (if needed)

This records the exact line on the register, and it stays when either home is sold. Your property must be registered with HM Land Registry.

You need:

• the exact line of boundary (DB) form
• a plan drawn by a chartered land surveyor
• evidence for your boundary, such as certified old deeds, expert reports, or signed statements made before a solicitor or magistrate

The fee is £90. If your neighbour agrees, you both sign the form and plan. If they object and HM Land Registry thinks the objection is valid, you get a chance to negotiate. If you still cannot agree, it goes to a tribunal.

Free and low-cost help

• The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has free guides on boundary disputes.
• Citizens Advice can give free general advice.
• A solicitor can advise on your evidence. Boundary disputes can be hard to solve, so legal advice is a good idea.

If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland

These rules are for England and Wales. In Scotland, check the Registers of Scotland. In Northern Ireland, check Land Registry Northern Ireland. In Scotland, the Scottish Mediation Network can help find a mediator.

Related guides

• How do I sort out a dispute with my neighbour?
• What is a party wall agreement and when do I need one?
• How do I get my title deeds from the Land Registry?
• What is a tree preservation order?

Where this comes from

• Your property boundaries (GOV.UK)
• Make a boundary agreement with your neighbour (GOV.UK)
• Apply to record the exact boundary (GOV.UK)
• Neighbour disputes: use a mediation service (GOV.UK)
• High hedges, trees and boundaries (GOV.UK)