Chester · North Wales · England & Wales

Boundary
Disputes

Disputes about the boundary between neighbouring properties, party walls, rights of way, and adverse possession claims. We advise on your legal position and the most proportionate route to resolution.

Boundary disputes are among the most expensive civil claims relative to the value of the land in dispute. We will give you an honest assessment of whether your dispute is worth pursuing — and recommend mediation or a boundary agreement where appropriate.

SRA Regulated

Costs Explained Upfront

Same-Day Response

England & Wales

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No obligation · Costs explained clearly · Payment arrangements available

A word of caution about boundary disputes

Boundary disputes are among the most expensive civil claims relative to the value of the land in dispute. Legal costs — including expert surveyor fees, solicitor fees, and court fees — can quickly exceed the value of the disputed land. We would not usually recommend court proceedings unless the value of the land in dispute is at least £10,000 – £15,000, or there are other significant factors such as access rights or development potential.

For minor boundary disputes, we may recommend a pragmatic approach — such as mediation, a boundary agreement, or a determined boundary application to the Land Registry — rather than litigation. We will give you an honest assessment at the outset.

What We Handle

Types of boundary and property disputes

Boundary disputes

Disputes about the exact position of the boundary between neighbouring properties — determined by reference to title deeds, historical maps, and physical features.

Party wall disputes

Disputes arising from building works affecting a shared wall, boundary, or excavation near your property under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

Rights of way

Disputes about the existence, extent, or obstruction of a private or public right of way across land.

Adverse possession

Claims to ownership of land through long occupation — or defending against a neighbour's adverse possession claim.

Encroachment

Where a neighbour's building, fence, or structure encroaches onto your land — advising on your rights and remedies.

Restrictive covenants

Disputes about the existence, enforceability, or breach of restrictive covenants affecting the use of land.

Indicative Fees

What does a boundary dispute cost?

Costs depend on the complexity of the dispute and the route taken. The table below gives indicative ranges for each stage.

All fees are exclusive of VAT (20%). Court fees and expert surveyor fees are additional disbursements.

Stage	Indicative Fee	Notes
Initial advice & title review	£300 – £600 + VAT	Fixed fee. Review of title deeds, Land Registry documents, and initial advice on the boundary position.
Expert surveyor report	£1,500 – £3,000 + VAT	Independent boundary surveyor to determine the legal boundary position. Essential for most boundary disputes.
Pre-action correspondence	£600 – £1,800 + VAT	Formal letters and negotiation before proceedings are issued. Often resolves disputes without court.
Land Registry adjudication	£1,800 – £3,600 + VAT	Applying to the Land Registry to determine a disputed boundary. Less expensive than court proceedings.
County Court proceedings	£3,600 – £9,600 + VAT	Boundary disputes in court are expensive and unpredictable. Court fees additional.
Mediation (preparation + attendance)	£1,200 – £2,400 + VAT per party	Strongly recommended for boundary disputes — preserves neighbourly relations and avoids court costs.

We do not ordinarily offer no-win, no-fee for boundary disputes. All fees are exclusive of VAT (20%). Court fees and expert surveyor fees are additional. We will provide a written cost estimate before any work begins. Payment arrangements are available — please ask.

Your Boundary Disputes Solicitor

Speak to Alex Bailey

Boundary Disputes & Property Litigation

Alex Bailey

Solicitor — Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Alex qualified as a solicitor in 2007 and advises on boundary disputes, party wall matters, and property litigation across England and Wales. He provides an honest assessment of whether a dispute is worth pursuing — and always recommends the most proportionate and cost-effective route to resolution.

Call 01244 757352 Send an Enquiry

Tell Us About Your Dispute

Start your boundary dispute enquiry

Complete the form below and Alex Bailey will review your details and be in touch. No obligation — we will give you an honest assessment of whether your dispute is worth pursuing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about boundary disputes

Are boundary disputes worth pursuing through solicitors?

Boundary disputes are among the most expensive and emotionally draining civil claims — and the financial value of the disputed land is often modest. Legal costs can quickly exceed the value of the land in dispute. We will give you an honest assessment of whether your boundary dispute is worth pursuing through solicitors. As a general guide, we would not usually recommend court proceedings for a boundary dispute unless the value of the land in dispute is at least £10,000 – £15,000, or there are other significant factors (such as access rights or development potential). For minor boundary disputes, we may recommend a pragmatic approach — such as mediation or a boundary agreement — rather than litigation.

How is a legal boundary determined?

The legal boundary between two properties is determined by reference to the title deeds and Land Registry documents. The "general boundary" shown on the Land Registry title plan is not precise — it is a general indication only. The exact boundary is determined by reference to the original conveyance documents, historical maps, and physical features on the ground. In disputed cases, an independent boundary surveyor is usually required to give expert evidence on the boundary position.

Do you offer no-win, no-fee for boundary disputes?

We do not ordinarily offer no-win, no-fee for boundary disputes. These cases are expensive to pursue — they require expert surveyor evidence and often involve lengthy proceedings. We provide clear written cost estimates before any work begins and are happy to discuss payment arrangements in appropriate cases.

What is adverse possession?

Adverse possession (sometimes called "squatter's rights") is a legal doctrine that allows a person to claim ownership of land they have occupied openly and continuously for a period of time — typically 10 years for registered land. If you have been using a piece of land for many years and believe you have a claim to it, or if a neighbour is claiming adverse possession of your land, we can advise on your rights.

What is a party wall dispute?

A party wall dispute arises where a neighbour is carrying out building works that affect a shared wall, boundary, or excavation near your property. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 sets out a procedure for notifying neighbours and resolving disputes. If your neighbour has not followed the correct procedure, or if you cannot agree on the works, we can advise on your rights and options.

What is a right of way dispute?

A right of way dispute arises where one party claims the right to use a path, track, or road across another's land — either as a private right of way (easement) or as a public right of way. Common disputes include: whether a right of way exists, the extent of the right, and whether it has been obstructed. We advise on all types of right of way disputes.

Do you advise clients in North Wales and across England?

Yes. We act for clients across England and Wales — including North Wales (Wrexham, Flintshire, Deeside, Denbighshire), Central England (Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Nottingham, Leicester), and nationally. The majority of our boundary dispute work is conducted remotely — no office visit is required.

Facing a boundary dispute?

Speak to Alex Bailey for an honest assessment of your position — and whether your dispute is worth pursuing.

No obligation — talk through your options first. Costs explained clearly.