Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) is designed to answer one practical question early: what does the dispute look like when the key evidence and the site are considered objectively?
A full boundary investigation can require detailed documentary research, extensive measurements, historic evidence and substantial professional time. That level of work is not always necessary at the beginning. Our ENE service is intended as a quicker, proportionate first step.
What we do
We review the main documents, inspect the relevant features on site where appropriate, identify the facts that appear important and give a preliminary informed opinion on the strengths, weaknesses and uncertainties in the positions being advanced.
- Review title registers, title plans, transfers, conveyances and relevant plans supplied.
- Consider photographs, correspondence and useful historic information.
- Inspect the disputed boundary and physical features where the scope includes a site visit.
- Identify what the current evidence supports and what remains uncertain.
- Explain which further evidence may materially change the assessment.
- Recommend a proportionate next step.
Why ENE can save money
It can be poor value to commission the most expensive form of report before establishing whether the case warrants it. ENE can help an owner decide whether to negotiate, gather one missing document, commission a fuller investigation, propose mediation or obtain specialist legal advice.
The Civil Procedure Rules recognise early neutral evaluation as a form of alternative dispute resolution in which a third party gives an informed opinion on the dispute. Our service applies that principle to boundary evidence. A private ENE is ordinarily an evaluation, not a court judgment and not a binding determination unless the parties enter a separate agreement giving it a different effect.
What ENE is not
- It does not itself change the Land Registry title.
- It does not automatically determine the legal boundary.
- It is not necessarily a CPR Part 35 expert report.
- It is not a substitute for legal advice where legal remedies, limitation, injunctions or court proceedings are in issue.
Start with the evidence you already have
Send the property addresses, a short account of the disagreement and the title documents or plans available to you.
Request an Early Neutral Evaluation →Local boundary services
We accept instructions around Birmingham and Warwickshire, along the M1 and M40 routes, and into Berkshire, north, west and south-west London and selected Surrey towns.
Find local coverage and useful council record links →