Boundary query

[Paddingtonthebear]

We’ve recently purchased a house and wanted to check who is responsible for the boundary fencing and wall. We only have a copy of the title plan which shows the red outline of the property , no T or H mark etc to indicate who is responsible. I’ve asked our solicitor if this is on the deeds and they have said “the original Conveyance to the property was never produced on first registration and this would confirm what boundaries you are responsible for.”

In practice it seems each neighbour has taken responsibility for the front, left and rear, but legally what does this mean?

You share costs? I ended up taking responsibility for all fences as shit neighbour did nothing to repair hers (and it was hers) when the fence fell over! She then complained about the new fence: it wasn’t to her liking. It was her responsibility but I had tenants with a child and the fence had fallen into my garden. I had to sort it out. Therefore if someone is reasonable, 50/50 is fine. When someone does nothing, you pay! Even when it’s 100% their responsibility you can end up paying! It’s annoying but it’s a joy of home ownership!

It might be worth getting the title plan for your neighbours as it might show which they are responsible for. Other than that, I think they are usually assumed to be shared.

Thank all, the solicitor has now added “You will need to follow what boundaries are maintained in practice”.

Ask the neighbours because over the years things can change. If there is no original deed / conveyance that's your only option.

Here everyone is responsible for their own front and at the rear if you have your back to the house it's the bottom fence and left side fence. Do you have a neighbour you can ask how it works there?

It should have been clarified in the vendors’ responses to your queries, although that would be as per established practice not necessarily legally. If not indicated on deeds they may be shared.

Vendors response says front, left and rear which ties in with what other neighbours are doing as I noticed someone a few doors down putting up a new fence to their left.

Is it a huge garden?
Will it matter very much?

No it’s just we are thinking of making some changes on one side so just wondered where we stood

Being responsible for a boundary is not necessarily the same as being responsible for a fence. A fence belongs to whoever pays for it and unless deeds say otherwise there is no requirement to have or replace a fence, even if you are responsible for maintaining the boundary.