Property Dispute Solicitors

• Residential property disputes
• Boundary disputes
• Fence and garden disputes
• Property ownership disputes
• Lease disputes
• Nuisance neighbours
• Planning appeals
• Possession proceedings

• Restrictive covenants on your land
• Rights of way and easements
• Commercial property disputes
• Landlord and tenant disputes
• Dilapidation claims
• Party wall disputes
• Property disrepair

What are common residential property disputes?

Boundary disputes

Boundary disputes arise when two parties disagree about the position of a boundary. These cases can be contentious and complex, so you should seek professional legal advice.

We understand that a boundary dispute can be stressful, and we endeavour to reach an agreement by reviewing the documentary evidence early in the process. If an agreement is reached, we will draw up a legal agreement to send to the Land Registry to officially record the position of the boundary.

We are one of only a few firms specialising in resolving boundary disputes. We have experience working with specialist surveyors who can advise where a legal boundary line may be and the best course of action to take.

We also have considerable knowledge and trial experience of claims involving acquired land based on long use or adverse possession.

Neighbour disputes

Disputes with neighbours can be stressful and can damage relationships.

We are experienced in helping people deal with various nuisance neighbour behaviour, including noise levels, antisocial behaviour, excessive pet disturbance, and other issues such as high trees, damaged fences, or failure to repair.

If you cannot resolve your dispute amicably with your neighbour, our team can advise on the most appropriate course of action and guide you to ensure your legal rights are protected.

Land disputes 

Land disputes can include right-of-way issues, where someone assumes they have the right to walk or drive over your land, or adverse possession, where someone occupies your land without permission. Both have the potential to become a real headache.

As these situations can become hostile quickly, it is a good idea to seek professional advice as soon as possible so you can understand your legal position and implement remedies before the situation escalates.

We can advise on a wide range of land dispute issues, including problems with covenants that restrict what you can or cannot do on your land; rights of light, which governs a person’s right to have sunlight into their property; and telecoms and easements, which looks at the rights of a communications company to erect a mast or telecoms equipment on your land.

Party wall disputes

A party wall is a shared wall that sits on the boundary of land between two – or sometimes more – different owners. These can include the walls between terraced or semi-detached houses.

The Party Wall Act 1996 applies to houses in England and Wales. It was introduced to prevent building work that could affect the structural integrity of any party wall or adjoining properties without proper procedures being followed, including garden walls, excavation work, loft conversations, and damp proofing.

The Act provides the legal framework for protecting neighbours when particular modification works are being carried out, but party wall disputes can arise when notice has not been given, unauthorised works have started or the parties cannot reach an agreement.

What are common commercial property disputes?

Landlord and tenant disputes

We advise landlords and tenants in both the residential and commercial property sectors on a variety of issues such as tenancy breaches, deposit protection, service charges, recovering rent, dilapidation claims, squatters, terminating tenancies and disrepair claims.

We advise tenants on building safety, deposit protection, and what to do if they have been served a notice by their landlord.

Dilapidation claims

At the end of a commercial property lease, there are frequently disputes between a landlord and tenant about returning the property in the condition required to meet the repair obligations covered in the lease; these are known as dilapidation claims. We regularly advise on both terminal and interim dilapidation claims.

Residential tenancies

If you are a landlord experiencing problems with your tenant, such as failing to pay rent, causing damage to your property or refusing to leave, you must seek specialist professional legal advice.

If you are a tenant and believe your landlord is in breach of their repair obligations, there are disputes about maintenance or service charges, or you are falling behind on your rent, we can advise on safeguarding your legal rights.

How are property disputes resolved?

Property disputes usually require legal intervention, which doesn't always mean going to court. Many other options exist, including mediation, arbitration, and meetings with all parties without prejudice.

Who pays the costs in a property dispute?

The person bringing the claim usually pays their own legal costs. However, any insurance policies are worth checking, as legal expenses cover may be included. If your claim is successful, it may also be possible to recover costs from the other side, but this is not guaranteed.