Boundary matters can be surprisingly complex. What looks like a simple fence line often involves a mix of property documents, historic changes, physical evidence on site, and neighbour expectations. If you’re planning building works close to a boundary, replacing a fence, buying or selling, or dealing with a neighbour query, you need more than a quick measurement—you need clear, reliable boundary advice you can actually use.
Our boundary surveying service is designed to do exactly that: provide evidence-led clarity, delivered with a calm, professional approach, and presented in a way that supports practical resolution.
What we do
Our boundary surveying focuses on one outcome: helping you understand where the boundary is most likely to be, based on the best available evidence, so you can move forward with confidence.
We typically support clients in situations including:
- neighbour boundary challenges and disagreements
- fence and wall replacements (where the existing line must be recorded)
- building works near boundaries (extensions, foundations, garden rooms, driveways)
- sales and purchases where boundary questions are holding up progress
- access route and shared driveway concerns
- tree and hedge issues where boundary uncertainty is part of the conflict
Our approach: evidence-led, calm, and practical
Boundary disputes often escalate because people rely on assumptions:
- “It’s always been there.”
- “The title plan proves it.”
- “The fence is the boundary.”
Our approach is different. We treat boundary surveying as a structured investigation, balancing:
1) Documentary evidence
We review relevant documents such as:
- Land Registry title plan and title register
- deed plans and transfer plans (often more detailed)
- historic conveyances (particularly valuable for older properties)
- any additional supporting material you can provide (historic photos, previous reports)
We don’t simply “look at a plan”—we interpret what it can and cannot establish, including the common issue of general boundaries on title plans.
2) Physical evidence on site
During the site inspection we consider:
- fences, walls, hedges and how they appear to have evolved
- remnants of older boundary features (post holes, old footings, scars in paving)
- alignment with buildings, garages, and extensions
- consistent patterns across neighbouring plots (often revealing in terraces and estates)
- levels and retaining structures that indicate historic divisions
This is the difference between basic surveying and boundary surveying: the ability to spot and interpret clues that are easy to miss.
3) Accurate measurement and mapping
Where precision matters, we undertake measured surveying tied to fixed reference points. This allows us to:
- map what exists on the ground accurately
- compare physical features against documentary evidence
- produce plans that can be used confidently for set-out and decision-making
4) Professional interpretation and risk clarity
Boundaries are not always definitive. Where evidence is mixed, we provide honest clarity on:
- what is strongly supported
- what is uncertain and why
- what practical options exist for resolving matters proportionately
Overconfidence can cause harm. We prefer clear reasoning that withstands scrutiny and helps you make informed decisions.
What you can expect from us
Clear scoping at the outset
We confirm:
- which boundary is in question (front/side/rear)
- what has triggered the instruction (fence replacement, dispute, sale, planned works)
- what you need the deliverable to achieve (clarity, set-out support, negotiation support)
This keeps the work efficient and avoids unnecessary cost.
A thorough site inspection
We attend site with boundary resolution in mind—recording current features, investigating historic clues, and understanding how the boundary relates to the wider plot layout.
Deliverables you can actually use
Depending on instruction and complexity, outputs typically include:
- a measured survey plan showing boundary features and key reference points
- annotated plans to explain the likely boundary position (and any uncertainties)
- a written report setting out evidence, reasoning, and next steps
Support beyond the report
A boundary survey is only useful if it helps you move forward. We explain our findings in clear language and help you understand:
- how to approach neighbour discussions calmly
- how the findings affect your building plans or fence replacement
- when solicitor input may be appropriate (where formal agreements are needed)
Our focus: prevention as well as resolution
Some of the best boundary surveying work is done before a dispute begins. We regularly assist with:
- recording fence lines before replacement
- boundary risk checks before extensions and foundations
- clarifying uncertain lines before a property sale progresses
- mapping boundaries where access/shared areas could become contentious
Early, evidence-led action is often the most cost-effective step a homeowner can take.
Why clients choose us for boundary surveying
Clients often come to us because they want:
- a calm, professional approach that avoids inflaming neighbour relationships
- reliable surveying and clear plans, not vague assumptions
- reporting that supports real decisions (build, sell, negotiate, agree)
- efficiency without shortcuts—work done properly the first time
Boundary matters can be stressful. Our role is to reduce uncertainty and help you take the next step with confidence.
How to prepare for a boundary survey
To help us work efficiently, it’s useful to provide:
- Land Registry title plan and title register
- any deed/transfer plans from your purchase
- historic photos showing fence positions (if available)
- a short timeline of changes or concerns
- any correspondence with your neighbour
- proposed drawings if building works are planned
If a fence is due to be removed or replaced, we recommend recording it before it changes.
Ready to discuss your boundary surveying needs?
Email mail@howorth.uk or call 07794 400 212. Let us know the property location, which boundary is in question, what has triggered the issue (fence replacement, neighbour query, planned works, sale/purchase), and how urgent the timeline is. If you can share your title plan and a few photos of the boundary area, we’ll advise the best next step and provide a clear, scope-led quotation.