55. Boundary feature changes

Review Legal Documents and property records 

• Deeds and title documents: Check the original deeds and title documents for detailed descriptions of the property boundaries. Compare them with current records to identify any discrepancies. 
• Land Registry records: Obtain the most recent boundary plans and descriptions from the Land Registry or local cadastral office. These documents will show the official boundaries as recorded at the time of the last update. 

Conduct a professional land survey 

• Hire a surveyor: A licensed surveyor can conduct a detailed survey of your property. This survey will provide precise measurements and mappings of your current boundaries. 
• Compare surveys: If you have an older survey (from when you purchased the property or from previous owners), compare it with the new survey to identify any changes. 

Examine physical markers and features 

• Inspect Boundary Markers: Look for physical boundary markers such as fences, walls, hedges, and survey stakes. Note any signs of recent movement or changes in their positions. 
• Check for new features: Identify any new boundary features or modifications to existing ones that may have been added or altered during your ownership period. 

Review historical aerial or satellite imagery 

• Access historical images: Obtain aerial or satellite images of your property from different time periods. Websites like Google Earth offer historical imagery that can show changes in land features over time. 
• Compare images: Compare images from different years to detect any visible changes in boundary features. 

Talk to Neighbours and Previous Owners 

• Neighbour testimonies: Ask your neighbours if they are aware of any changes to the boundaries or if they have made any adjustments during the period in question. 
• Previous owners: If possible, contact previous owners to gather information on any boundary modifications they might have made. 

Review local authority records 

• Planning and permitting records: Check with your local planning or building authority for any permits or records of boundary-related work. This might include permits for fence construction, wall building, or land subdivision. 
• Boundary dispute records: Look for any records of boundary disputes or resolutions that may indicate changes. 

Visible changes in landscaping 

• Differences in vegetation growth patterns along the boundary. 
• Newly constructed or repaired fences, walls, or hedges. 
• Disturbances in the soil or ground that suggest recent digging or construction. 

Discrepancies in measurements 

• Differences between the dimensions in the current survey and the dimensions recorded in previous documents or surveys. 

Alterations in neighbouring properties 

• Changes in the position of boundary features on neighbouring properties that may indicate a shift. 

Best practices 

• Maintain detailed records of any work done on boundary features, including dates, descriptions of the work, and contractors used. 

Regular surveys 

• Conduct regular surveys (every few years) to ensure your boundary records are up-to-date and accurate. 

Clear communication

• Communicate with neighbours before making any changes to boundary features to avoid disputes and ensure mutual agreement. 

Legal advice 

• Consult with a legal professional if you discover any discrepancies or if you plan to alter boundary features. They can provide guidance on legal requirements and help resolve any disputes.