Selling Your Home with a Boundary Dispute? We’ve Got You Covered
Stuck with a property plagued by fence feuds or hedge hostilities? At Property Saviour, we specialise in purchasing homes with boundary disputes that traditional buyers run a mile from.
Selling a house with a boundary dispute is legally possible, but let’s be honest—it’s a proper headache. You’re required to disclose the dispute on your Property Information Form (TA6), which often sends potential buyers heading for the hills. Even if you find someone interested, prepare for lengthy delays, reduced offers, and solicitors picking apart every detail. The situation becomes even more complicated when there’s ongoing litigation involved, with potential buyers understandably wary of inheriting court cases alongside their new home.
Many estate agents simply aren’t equipped to handle these complex sales, leaving you trapped in property limbo while the dispute rumbles on. Meanwhile, you’re still paying the mortgage, council tax, and utilities on a property you desperately want to move on from.
This is precisely where we step in. As a specialist property buying company, we offer a guaranteed sale for your dispute-affected property when others won’t touch it. No viewings with nosy neighbours, no months of uncertainty, just a straightforward process designed to get you moving forward with your life.
We understand the stress that boundary disputes cause—the sleepless nights, the awkward encounters with neighbours, and the financial strain of unresolved issues. That’s why we’ve developed a hassle-free approach: We purchase your property directly for cash—boundary dispute and all, complete in as little as 10 days if needed, with no estate agent fees or legal costs (we cover those), no price reductions at the last minute, and no chain to break or mortgage lenders to satisfy.
Unlike traditional buyers who might use a boundary dispute to negotiate your price down or pull out altogether, we’re experienced in purchasing problematic properties. We’ve helped countless homeowners escape from stressful boundary situations, providing fair offers despite the ongoing disputes.
As a reliable cash house buyer, we remove the uncertainty from your property sale. The price we offer is the price you’ll receive—no hidden catches or last-minute surprises.
Don’t waste months trying to resolve complex boundary issues before selling. With Property Saviour, you can sell your house with a boundary dispute exactly as it is, with all its complications, and move on with your life.
Contact our friendly team today for a no-obligation cash offer and discover how we can transform your property problem into a swift, stress-free solution.
Table of Contents
What is a boundary dispute & how does it affect your sale?
When you and your neighbour can’t agree on where your property ends and theirs begins, that’s a boundary dispute in a nutshell. It might be about a fence that’s been moved, a hedge that’s overgrowing, or even a driveway that crosses what you believe is your land.
The thing is, most UK properties don’t have precisely defined boundaries. The red line on your Land Registry plan is actually just an indication – it can be several metres off in reality! That’s where the trouble starts.
I’ve seen disputes over just a few centimetres of land turn into bitter feuds that last years. One family in Chesterfield told me they hadn’t spoken to their neighbours for three years over a dispute about 20cm of garden space. It’s heart-breaking how these situations can destroy relationships and make your home feel like a battleground rather than a sanctuary.
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These disputes typically fall into categories like:
Arguments about fence or wall positions
Disagreements over who should maintain a boundary
Neighbours building something that crosses onto your land
Access issues where someone crosses your property
Confusion about who owns trees or hedges on boundary lines
Legal requirements when selling with a boundary dispute
I won’t sugar-coat this – you absolutely must disclose boundary disputes when selling. The Property Information Form (TA6) specifically asks about these issues, and hiding them is never worth the risk.
I remember one seller who thought their “little disagreement” about a garden wall wasn’t worth mentioning. Six months after selling, they were facing a legal claim from the buyers who discovered the dispute when the neighbour approached them. The legal costs and compensation ended up being over ÂŁ15,000 – all for trying to avoid mentioning a problem that might have reduced their sale price by much less.
The harsh reality is that if you don’t disclose a dispute:
Your buyers could take you to court
You might have to pay substantial damages
Your reputation could be damaged
You’ll still have to deal with the issue, but now with even more stress
It’s always better to be upfront. Honestly really is the best policy here.
How boundary disputes impact your property value
I won’t lie to you – having a boundary dispute will affect how much you can get for your home. Here’s what we typically see happen:
| Impact | What it means for you | The harsh reality |
|---|---|---|
| Fewer people want to view | People scroll past your home when they see “boundary dispute” mentioned | Your marketing period could double or triple |
| Lower offers | Buyers who do come forward often try to heavily discount | Expect offers 10-15% below market value |
| Mortgage problems | Many lenders won’t approve loans for properties with boundary issues | Your pool of buyers shrinks to cash buyers |
| Sale delays | Conveyancers dig deeper into disputes, slowing everything down | Your 8-week sale could become 6 months |
| More sales falling through | Buyers get cold feet when they learn the details | You could be back to square one after months of waiting |
It’s not just about money either. The emotional toll of watching your property sit on the market while others sell quickly can be devastating, especially if you’re trying to move on with your life or have already found your next home.
Resolving boundary disputes before selling
If you’ve got time on your side, sorting the dispute before you sell is usually the smartest move. Here’s how:
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Check the Title Deeds
Pull out those dusty old documents (or get copies from the Land Registry for about ÂŁ3). They might not give you the crystal-clear answer you’re hoping for, but they’re your starting point. I’ve seen many disputes fizzle out when both parties actually look at the original paperwork together.
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Get a Professional Survey
A proper boundary survey isn’t cheap (typically ÂŁ800-ÂŁ1,500), but it can be money well spent. One of our clients in Yorkshire was locked in a dispute for years until a survey showed the boundary was actually 40cm different from what both neighbours thought. Having that independent expert opinion can be worth its weight in gold.
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Negotiate with Your Neighbour
This might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people never actually sit down properly with their neighbour to talk it through. Choose a neutral place, perhaps over a cup of tea at a local cafĂ©, rather than on the disputed land where emotions might run high. Listen as much as you talk.
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Seek Legal Advice
Sometimes you need a solicitor who specialises in boundary issues, but be prepared – legal costs rack up frighteningly quickly. One of our clients spent over ÂŁ20,000 on legal fees for a dispute over a strip of land valued at just ÂŁ5,000. Ask yourself if it’s really worth it.
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Alternative Dispute Resolution
Mediation costs far less than going to court (usually around ÂŁ1,000-ÂŁ2,000) and often works wonders. The mediator isn’t there to decide who’s right or wrong, but to help you both find common ground. We’ve seen even the most stubborn opponents reach agreement with the right mediator involved.
What happens if you don’t disclose a boundary dispute?
I’ve seen the aftermath of non-disclosure, and it’s not pretty. One seller thought they could just “forget” to mention the ongoing argument about their back fence. Six weeks after completion, the new owners were served with legal papers from the neighbour.
The original seller ended up paying over ÂŁ12,000 in legal costs, compensation, and fees – all to avoid potentially losing a few thousand on the sale price. It’s just not worth it.
If you hide a boundary dispute:
You could be sued for misrepresentation
The buyers might be able to unwind the entire sale even months later
Your estate agent could face complaints to their governing body
You might end up with a legal bill far bigger than any saving on the sale
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Even that little disagreement about who should trim the hedge could count as a dispute if it’s caused tension. Better to disclose everything than risk the consequences.
What is the average cost of boundary dispute resolution?
“How much will this nightmare cost me?” is usually the first question people ask me. The honest answer depends on how far things go. For a simple mediation with cooperative neighbours, you might escape with just ÂŁ1,500-ÂŁ2,000 all in.
But if it goes to court? I’ve seen costs spiral to ÂŁ30,000 and beyond. One family in York told me: “We spent our daughter’s university fund fighting over 35cm of garden. Looking back, we should have just offered to buy them a holiday if they’d agree to our boundary position.”
The emotional cost is harder to calculate, but equally real – the stress, the awkward encounters, the inability to truly enjoy your home while the dispute drags on.
How to win a boundary dispute?
Winning isn’t always what you think it is. True victory often means finding a solution both sides can live with, not crushing your opponent. Start by getting your facts straight – gather every document, photo, and bit of evidence about where the boundary should be.
Try talking to your neighbour with curiosity rather than confrontation: “I’m confused about this boundary line – can we look at our documents together?” works better than “You’ve pinched my land!”
If that fails, consider mediation before jumping to solicitors’ letters, which often just entrench positions. Remember, even if you “win” in court, the costs might outweigh any benefit, and you’ll still have to live near these people (or sell with the history of the dispute).
What is an example of a contested boundary?
Just last month, I met with John and Sara from Harrogate who were at their wits’ end. When they moved in 5 years ago, they replaced an old hedge with a fence, placing it where they thought the boundary was. Their neighbour didn’t object at the time but recently demanded they move it, claiming it was 60cm into their land.
Old photos showed the hedge had been in roughly the same position for decades, but the deeds weren’t precise. The dispute escalated quickly – lawn mowers mysteriously damaged, passive-aggressive notes, and eventually solicitors’ letters.
After six months of misery and ÂŁ4,000 in legal fees, they called us because they just wanted out. We were able to buy their property despite the ongoing dispute, allowing them to move on with their lives while we dealt with resolving the boundary issue professionally.
Can a neighbour claim my land?
Yes, and it’s more common than you might think. Under “adverse possession” (squatter’s rights), someone who’s openly used land without permission for 10-12 years might be able to claim ownership.
I remember one client who was horrified to discover her neighbour had applied to the Land Registry claiming a 2-metre strip of her garden. He’d been maintaining it and treating it as his own for 15 years while she was abroad, and had a reasonable claim under adverse possession rules.
The law changed in 2003, making these claims harder for registered land, but they still happen. The best protection? Know where your boundaries are and speak up promptly if someone encroaches.
Options for selling a property with a boundary dispute
When you’re facing a boundary headache, you’ve got several paths forward:
1. Traditional Estate Agent Sale
You can try the conventional route, listing with an estate agent while being transparent about the dispute. I won’t lie – you’ll likely wait longer for offers and get less money, but some buyers might not be deterred if the dispute seems minor.
As Jane from Wakefield told us: “We tried selling through an estate agent for 8 months. We had lots of viewings but the offers were insultingly low once people heard about our fence dispute.”
2. Auction Sale
Auctions can work for problem properties, setting a clear sale date and potentially attracting investors who aren’t afraid of complications. The downside? You’ll typically get 20-30% below market value, and there’s no guarantee of a sale if your reserve isn’t met.
3. Cash Property Buyer
This is where we at Property Saviour can help. We specialise in buying properties with problems – including boundary disputes. Our we buy any house service offers a guaranteed sale, typically completing in 2-3 weeks, with no fees to pay.
While our offer won’t match what you’d get in a perfect-world open market sale, we take on all the risk and hassle of the boundary issue. Many of our clients tell us the peace of mind and clean break is worth far more than holding out for a higher price that might never materialise.
4. Resolve First, Then Sell
If time isn’t pressing, fixing the dispute before selling is ideal. Just be realistic about how long resolution might take – even amicable solutions can take months to formalise, while court cases can drag on for years.
Boundary disputes: how to resolve them effectively?
Having helped dozens of homeowners through these situations, here’s my practical advice:
Stay calm and document everything – Write down dates, take photos, and save all communications
Talk before you type – A friendly conversation often achieves more than formal letters
Focus on solutions, not blame – Instead of “You moved my fence”, try “How can we sort this out together?”
Consider a boundary agreement – A formal document recording your agreement can prevent future problems
Use experts wisely – Surveyors and mediators cost money but often save you more in the long run
Think about a goodwill gesture – Sometimes offering to split the cost of a new fence or hedge smooths things over
Keep perspective – Ask yourself if this battle will matter to you in five years
Know when to walk away – Sometimes selling to a specialist buyer like us is the best way to protect your mental health and finances
How do surveyors resolve boundary disputes?
When I recommend bringing in a surveyor, people often ask what exactly they do. A good boundary surveyor will:
First, go through all the historical paperwork with a fine-tooth comb – not just your title deeds, but old maps, aerial photos, and sometimes even records from previous centuries.
Then they’ll conduct a detailed physical survey, using sophisticated equipment to measure precisely where boundaries lie according to the documentation.
They’ll look for physical evidence too – old fence post holes, foundation remains, tree lines, or other markers that show where boundaries have traditionally been.
The result is a professional report that gives an expert opinion on the true boundary position, often with detailed maps and historical context. This isn’t legally binding on its own, but it carries significant weight in mediation or court proceedings.
One client told me: “The surveyor’s report was worth every penny. Once my neighbour saw the historical evidence mapped out so clearly, they dropped their claim immediately.”
Who settles boundary disputes when all else fails?
If you’ve tried everything and still can’t resolve things, these are the authorities who can make binding decisions:
The Land Registry can help with determining boundaries, but they prefer that you try to resolve things yourselves first. They’re not equipped to handle highly contentious disputes.
The Property Chamber (First-tier Tribunal)Â specialises in boundary disputes and is less formal than court. They can make legally binding determinations about where boundaries lie.
County Courts handle boundary disputes, especially when there are claims for damages. Be prepared for a lengthy and costly process.
High Court for complex or high-value disputes – but you’re looking at serious legal costs here.
The reality? By the time most disputes reach these formal channels, both parties have already spent thousands on surveys and legal advice. That’s why we often advise selling to us instead – it’s a clean break without the emotional and financial drain of prolonged conflict.
How to resolve a commercial property boundary dispute?
Commercial boundary disputes can be even more complex, with business operations and profits at stake. We’ve helped many commercial property owners escape these situations.
The process typically involves:
Thorough review of commercial leases and agreements – Commercial boundaries often involve more complex legal provisions than residential ones
Commercial valuation of the disputed area – Understanding the true business impact of the boundary position
Specialist commercial mediators – Who understand business priorities and can help find pragmatic solutions
Business continuity planning – Ensuring operations can continue during the dispute resolution process
Strategic negotiation – Often focusing on business relationships rather than just legal positions
The stakes can be higher with commercial disputes, but so can the opportunities for creative solutions that benefit both businesses.
Can I sell my property with a boundary dispute?
If you’re struggling with a boundary dispute, please know you’re not alone. These situations can feel overwhelming, but there is a way forward.
At Property Saviour, we’ve helped countless homeowners escape the stress, uncertainty and financial drain of boundary disputes. We understand the toll these situations take – not just on your finances but on your wellbeing.
Whether your dispute involves a misplaced fence, an overreaching extension, or confusion about who owns what, we can offer a lifeline. We’ll buy your property quickly, with no fuss, no agent fees, and no waiting around for reluctant buyers.
You don’t have to keep living with the stress. You don’t have to keep avoiding your neighbours or dreading another solicitor’s letter. You can make a clean break and move on with your life.
Give us a call for a friendly, no-obligation chat about your situation.Â
We’re real people who understand property problems and genuinely want to help you find the best way forward. Let’s talk about how we can turn your property problem into a fresh start.
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