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Searching for a supplier of fence posts in Surrey? Regardless of whether you're thinking about replacing your existing fence or just parts of it, how can you be sure that the land you're using is within your boundaries?
We all want to get on with our neighbours (they become good friends) – but disputes over property can turn what would otherwise be a peaceful, dual-beneficial relationship into one that is anything but. By understanding whose land is which and marking that fact with great fencing, you'll not only avoid any stress, you'll also be adding to the aesthetic appeal of your property, maybe even placing a few extra pounds onto its value too.
If you're looking to mark your boundary, then look no further than Pennyhill Timber for all of your fence posts in Surrey needs. Having been supplying timber products for the best part of two decades, we have built up a leading business in the South East of England, procuring the best quality materials for great prices.
Our collected experience has allowed us to gain a wide and varied knowledge of all of the issues you would associate with fencing – so do read on for our tips on managing your boundaries.
The best piece of advice when trying to understand where your boundaries may be is to always talk to your neighbours about any problems you may have. Believe it or not, many people don't and just put up a fence without attaining any understanding of the situation.
Approaching them to talk about it in the first place is a lot preferable over the inevitable arguments about it or worse, making a court appearance over the matter. The earlier in the process you can talk to your neighbour about it, the better.
So, without further ado: How to know your boundaries...
In most fence or boundary disputes, the easiest part is finding out whose boundary is which. A common misconception with installing fence posts in Surrey (or anywhere, really!) is that there are 'right hand' and 'left hand' rules to decide who owns which boundary. This is not true (although if such an arrangement does provide a mutually-acceptable solution, then there's no issue in using it) – the actual ownership of the boundaries should be recorded on the title deeds of your property. You may already own a copy, as may the solicitor who performed your conveyance.
If for any reason you cannot locate any copies, the documents you need may be held by the Land Registry. Whilst making enquiries and obtaining new copies of your title deeds will cost a fee, it may be the least of your expenses in any boundary dispute – imagine if you put up a fence without checking and then realised you've encroached onto your neighbour's property?
On title deeds, boundaries are marked by a 'T'; with the person whose side the 'T' is written on being responsible for maintaining that boundary. It's also important to know that there may be cases in which you and your neighbour are responsible for the upkeep of a boundary – on the title deeds, such occurrences are shown with a pair of joined 'T's' so they look like an 'H'. If this is indeed the case, then you will definitely need to speak with your neighbour and compromise over the works that need to be done.
There is (or has never been) any legal standard that dictates that title deed plans must show the property boundaries – the boundaries that are displayed on them have actually been copied from Ordnance Survey maps and are not an exact legal definition.
If there are no plans at all, then you will have to rely on custom methods of determining who owns what – but remember that these are essentially 'by word agreements', by no means a legal definition.
Be sure to remember that fence posts are traditionally found on the side that belongs to the owner of the fence – walls and fences are presumed to have been built on land that belongs to the owner of the boundary; fence posts are a sign of the construction, with the edge of the fence panelling marking the actual boundary.
The best evidence of your boundaries is any existing fencing or walls that may already be in place. However, if you're uncomfortable with not knowing what your exact boundaries are or if you think there's a problem, you should try to forge an agreement with your neighbour. This will give you an opportunity to put something down on paper, recording it as an ongoing legal document. When drawing up a paper agreement, always be sure to seek the advice of a legal professional to understand the extent of its powers.
If your neighbour is in the process of moving away and you're worried about any future disagreement with new neighbours, you can make the boundary agreement official by registering it with the Land Registry. You will need to fill in a form and pay a fee – but in return, you'll get your agreement made official and recorded in the Land Register, giving you the peace of mind in knowing that you are able to erect new fencing without any problems.
If you're ready to mark your boundary, then be sure to do it with the best materials around. As a supplier of fence posts in Surrey, our philosophy is based on finding the best value for our customers – finding (and often, creating) the best materials for the best possible prices. Why not take a look around our online catalogue to see the many products we have on sale?
To learn more about our fencing and timber service, please feel free to get in touch with us by calling 01483 486 739. Alternatively, you can send any e-mail enquiries to info@pennyhilltimber.co.uk.
