What do you do when your neighbour builds on your property?

If your neighbor builds on your property without permission, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly to protect your legal rights. The first step is to verify the property boundaries by reviewing your land deeds or consulting a professional land surveyor. This will confirm whether your neighbour has encroached on your land. Once you have clear evidence, try to resolve the issue through a polite conversation with your neighbour.

Often, boundary disputes can be settled amicably if both parties communicate openly. If a resolution isn’t possible, you may need to send a formal letter outlining the encroachment and requesting that the structure be removed or the boundary respected.

If the issue remains unresolved, legal action may be necessary. You can seek advice from a solicitor who specialises in property law to explore your options, which could include serving an injunction to stop further construction or taking your neighbour to court to have the structure removed. Depending on the severity of the encroachment, compensation may also be an option.

It’s important to act quickly, as failing to address the issue promptly could weaken your case, especially if the structure has been in place for an extended period. Mediation is another option to consider before resorting to court, as it can help both parties come to a fair agreement without the expense and stress of legal proceedings.