What is a Boundary Survey?
A boundary survey entails a detailed investigation and analysis conducted by a chartered surveyor to determine the most probable position of a legal boundary.
Best practice is dictated by RICS Professional Standard Boundaries: Procedures for Boundary Identification, Demarcation and Dispute Resolution (4th Edition).
A boundary survey should involve three key steps:
1. Desktop Study
An examination of extant documentation including:
- The Register of Title and Title Plans
- Historic Ordnance Survey (OS) maps
- Historic aerial photography
2. The Site Inspection and Measured Survey
Current physical features recorded. Data to be compared with documentary evidence.
3. The Advisory Report
A formal, impartial report outlining our professional opinion on the boundary’s location. If a dispute is already underway, this report may be prepared as Expert Witness Evidence in accordance with Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) Part 35, making it suitable for use in court or at a First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
When do I need a Boundary Survey?
A requirement for a boundary survey primarily arises when there is a dispute between neighbours as to the position of a boundary. A boundary survey can also be useful in other situations, for example:
- Prior to significant development or construction which will take place close to a boundary
- When a new boundary is created (subdivision for example)
- When a landowner is applying for a ‘Determined Boundary’
- To confirm the Land Registry boundaries prior to a land transaction
Boundary Survey deliverables:
- Plans of the area in question
- Boundary identification and demarcation
- A detailed report explaining both sources and findings.
Why choose Interlocks?
At Interlocks, our MRICS-qualified boundary surveyors have decades of experience in delivering accurate and impartial boundary surveys. We are experts not only in the production of reports to RICS standards but also have the experience of dozens of Expert Witness roles and court appearances to bring to bear.
