If your neighbour is saying the fence is in the wrong place, it can feel personal very quickly—but the best way to handle it is to treat it as an evidence and process problem, not an argument. In most cases, boundary disputes begin because people rely on different “proof”: one person trusts the fence line, the other trusts a title plan, or a previous owner’s memory, or a builder’s assumption. A boundary surveyor helps by pulling the evidence together, inspecting what exists on the ground, and giving a reasoned view on where the boundary is most likely to be.
The key is acting early and calmly—especially if a fence has recently been moved or someone is planning work near the boundary.
1) First: what not to do (to avoid escalation)
When a neighbour challenges a fence position, it’s tempting to respond defensively. Try to avoid:
- moving the fence again “to prove a point”
- removing hedges, posts, or markers (this can destroy evidence)
- allowing contractors to alter boundary features before it’s clarified
- sending heated messages or making accusations (“you’re stealing land”)
- ignoring it and hoping it goes away—because it often returns when someone sells or builds
Instead, aim to preserve evidence, gather documents, and propose a clear next step.
2) Why fences and boundaries don’t always match
This is one of the biggest misunderstandings.
- The boundary is the legal dividing line between ownerships.
- The fence is a physical feature that may sit on, near, or slightly off that line.
Fences often end up “wrong” (or at least arguable) because:
- they’ve been replaced multiple times over decades
- someone positioned it for convenience or aesthetics
- original markers were removed
- gardens were informally “tidied” by previous owners
- a new extension or landscaping changed the practical line
A boundary surveyor’s role is to identify the most reliable evidence, not simply assume the fence must be correct (or incorrect).
3) What evidence matters in a boundary disagreement?
Boundary surveyors typically consider two types of evidence: documents and physical features.
A) Documentary evidence
- Land Registry title plan (useful but often “general boundary”)
- title register (rights, covenants, shared access)
- transfer plans / deed plans (often more detailed, sometimes with measurements)
- historic conveyance plans (especially helpful in older properties)
- planning drawings and historic sales particulars (sometimes supportive)
Important point: Land Registry title plans are frequently not precise enough to settle a fence-line argument by themselves. That’s where measured surveys and interpretation come in.
B) Physical and historic on-site evidence
- existing fence/wall/hedge line and construction type
- remains of old posts, footings, scars in paving or brickwork
- alignment with buildings, side returns, garden walls, garages
- changes in ground level or retaining features
- old photos showing previous fence positions (often surprisingly useful)
This “layering” of evidence is what helps form a defensible opinion.
4) Practical steps you can take right now
Step 1: Keep everything as it is (for now)
If possible, avoid moving the fence or removing anything until evidence is reviewed. If something is unstable or unsafe, photograph it thoroughly first.
Step 2: Gather your documents
If you have them to hand, pull together:
- Land Registry title plan and register
- any old deeds/transfer plans
- your purchase pack / enquiries from when you bought
- any emails/letters/messages from the neighbour about the boundary
- any builder plans if works are planned near the line
Step 3: Create a quick “boundary evidence folder”
Include:
- dated photos of the fence line from multiple angles
- photos showing alignment to fixed points (house corners, rear wall, garage)
- a simple sketch of what is being disputed (even a rough one helps)
- a short timeline (when the fence was installed/replaced, if known)
Step 4: Ask your neighbour what they are relying on
Politely ask:
- which document or evidence makes them believe it’s wrong
- whether they have older plans or historic photos
- whether they want the fence moved now or are raising it for future works
This helps clarify whether the issue is minor uncertainty or a serious dispute.
5) How a boundary surveyor can help (and what you’ll get)
A boundary surveyor can provide a structured, neutral approach:
A) Document review and boundary interpretation
They will review your title information and any older plans to understand:
- what the legal boundary is likely intended to represent
- whether the plans are general or show defined features
- whether there are measurements or reference points that assist
B) Site inspection and measured survey (where needed)
They will inspect the boundary area to look for:
- evidence of historic fence lines
- physical markers and alignment
- inconsistencies suggesting the fence has moved over time
Where the dispute hinges on exact positioning, they may carry out a measured survey to map:
- building corners
- fence line position
- hard landscaping edges
- other relevant features
C) A boundary report and/or plan
Depending on your needs, you may receive:
- an annotated plan showing the fence line and likely boundary position
- a written report explaining the evidence and reasoning
- clear commentary on what is strong evidence vs weak evidence
- practical options to resolve the issue proportionately
D) Support with neighbour communication
A surveyor can often help keep discussions calm and factual by:
- explaining the evidence in plain language
- avoiding confrontational framing
- providing a neutral document that both parties can consider
That neutrality is often what stops a disagreement becoming a full dispute.
6) Common outcomes (and how they’re usually resolved)
Boundary issues typically resolve in one of these ways:
Outcome 1: The fence is broadly correct
Sometimes the evidence supports the existing line. A surveyor report can give you confidence and help close the conversation.
Outcome 2: The fence is slightly off, but both parties agree a practical solution
In many cases, the “difference” is small. Neighbours often agree:
- to leave the fence where it is
- to re-site it on the next replacement
- to agree a line for future works
- to share costs where appropriate (if mutually beneficial)
Outcome 3: Evidence is mixed and the boundary is genuinely uncertain
This is common with general boundary plans and old properties. A surveyor can explain the likely position and risk, and your solicitor can advise next steps if a formal agreement is required.
Outcome 4: The dispute escalates
If positions harden or building works are imminent, surveyor input becomes even more important, and solicitor involvement may be required to prevent matters worsening.
7) If building work is involved, act quickly
If either you or your neighbour is planning:
- an extension near the side boundary
- a wall or foundations close to the line
- a driveway/hardstanding across the frontage
…then clarifying the boundary early becomes critical. Once works start, the cost and complexity of resolving disagreements increases significantly.
8) What to expect when instructing us
To help us advise quickly, it’s useful to know:
- the property address and which boundary is disputed (left/right/rear/front)
- whether the fence was replaced recently and by whom
- what your neighbour is claiming (how far and where)
- whether any building works are planned
- what documents you already have (title plan, deeds, old plans)
- whether you have historic photos showing the fence line
Even if you don’t have everything, we can still guide you on the best next step.
The takeaway
When a neighbour says the fence is in the wrong place, the safest path is to preserve evidence, gather documents, and get an objective assessment before anything is moved. A boundary surveyor helps interpret title and deed evidence, inspect and measure what exists on site, and provide a reasoned report that can support a practical resolution—often preventing an avoidable dispute.
Need boundary surveyor help now?
Email mail@howorth.uk or call 07794 400 212. Tell us your property location, which boundary is in question, what your neighbour is claiming, and whether any works are planned. If you can, attach your title plan and any photos of the fence line—we’ll advise the best next step and how a boundary survey can help you resolve this calmly and confidently.