Boundary disputes between neighbors, even over minor issues like overhanging gutters, can lead to exorbitant legal costs, as highlighted by a recent case where fees exceeded £150,000. Central London county court judge Alan Saggerson questioned the financial prudence of such litigation for low-value conflicts. Although hard statistics on the rise of boundary disputes are lacking, anecdotal evidence suggests an increase, often exacerbated by the pandemic lockdowns and subsequent surge in home improvements. Legal experts note that these disputes are frequently driven by emotional investment in one’s home and can serve as proxies for broader neighborly conflicts. The courts continue to advocate for early settlement through alternative dispute resolution to avoid disproportionate litigation costs.
Partner, Ben Thornton has had his comments published in an article by The Times on another ramification of the Covid-19 pandemic, saying that: "The pandemic saw a stampede for home improvements, including extensions and garden bars, gyms and offices. That stampede may now have died down somewhat, but with property prices remaining high landowners are more likely to fight their corner, and it is somewhat inevitable that disputes will arise, whether that be for the ownership of the land or rights over it."
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