A boundary agreement records what neighbouring owners agree. A determined boundary is a Land Registry process for showing the exact line of a registered boundary under section 60 of the Land Registration Act 2002.
Boundary agreement
Neighbours may agree the position of the legal boundary and record that agreement. HM Land Registry can note a qualifying agreement on the register, but the title remains subject to the general boundaries rule unless a determined boundary is registered.
Determined boundary
A determined boundary application requires the exact line to be identified with sufficiently precise evidence and a suitable plan. HM Land Registry does not act as the tribunal deciding a contested boundary. If an adjoining owner objects and agreement cannot be reached, the dispute may be referred to the First-tier Tribunal.
Which route is proportionate?
HM Land Registry's guidance notes that a boundary agreement can often be simpler and less expensive. The right route depends on what certainty is needed and whether the neighbours agree.
Do not confuse agreeing an uncertain line with transferring land
An agreement identifying an uncertain boundary is different from knowingly handing over a defined strip. Ask a solicitor which documentation and registration steps are appropriate. Recording an agreement does not automatically convert a general boundary into a determined boundary.
Need an evidence-led view?
For an early-stage assessment, consider an Early Neutral Evaluation. For a developed dispute, a fuller investigation report may be appropriate.
Early Neutral Evaluation → · Investigation reports →- Coburns Knowledge Base: what is a boundary agreement
- Coburns Knowledge Base: what is a determined boundary
Adapted from Coburns’ boundary Knowledge Base for this site, with updated explanations and related guidance.