Owning your own property has many benefits but occasionally disagreements can arise after buying or selling, or between neighbours.
Conclusion of a purchase or sale of property is almost always the end of the transaction and both parties happily move on. Occasionally, disputes arise over whether the terms of the contract have been fulfilled. If these disputes cannot be resolved quickly by the solicitors handling the conveyancing or if they arise well after the event, our dispute resolution solicitors can advise on reaching a resolution.
When neighbours disagree about a property issue, it creates a sensitive situation because inevitably they will continue to live beside each other long after the dispute is resolved. We provide advice that takes account of the legal rights and wrongs but always keeps sight of the costs and the wider circumstances of the individual case. Instructing solicitors to help can make the dispute less personal and often means an acceptable resolution is reached that might not otherwise have been possible.
Resolving the dispute might, if necessary, involve representing you in court but we are often able to conclude a claim quickly by lawyer’s letter or calls, negotiate an agreement directly or resolve the matter using an alternative dispute resolution process such as mediation or arbitration.
Every situation is different but when disputes arise common
issues include:
- A property purchaser failing to pay the agreed price
- A purchaser learning of defects in the property only after moving in
- Access rights and servitudes
- Parking
- Disputes over the locations of boundaries
- Encroachment of roots and branches
- High hedges and tall trees
- Encroachment of extensions, walls and fences
- Statutory notices, maintenance obligations and tenement repairs, including disputes with factors
- Use of residential property for short term letting
- Noise or other nuisance
- Water leaks
- Unjustified claims or complaints about any of the above
By understanding your needs and drawing on our extensive experience of resolving disputes such as these, we can advise and represent you effectively.
