There are a number of things that your conveyancer will need to investigate concerning your boundaries and neighbours during the buying process.

Recent Disputes Between Neighbours

If you discover that there has been a recent boundary dispute (your solicitor may pick this up, but you should ask the seller for information if you suspect a problem), your solicitor could advise you not to go ahead with the purchase. If you are set on buying, talk to the neighbour concerned to satisfy yourself that the dispute has been settled.

Maintaining Your Property From Next Door

If the wall of your property stands directly on the boundary with next door, you may have no legal right to enter next door's property to maintain it. If the neighbour refuses access, you can apply to the local county court (sheriff court in Scotland) for an order. After the works have been done, you will have to make good any damage and perhaps pay compensation for having been allowed access.

The View

Unless your property deeds state otherwise (which is unlikely), you do not have the right to a view. The local search conducted by your solicitor or licensed conveyancer before purchase will reveal forthcoming developments - you have a right to inspect the plans at your local planning office.

Flying Freehold

A flying freehold is a property that intrudes into the structure of the property next door. It occurs only in older properties, and it's as well to be aware that the rights and responsibilities of the neighbours it links are notoriously difficult to sort out.

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