What evidence is useful in a boundary dispute?

The most useful evidence usually comes from several sources rather than one document.

Documentary evidence

• Title registers and title plans.
• Filed transfers, conveyances and deed plans.
• Older unregistered deeds where available.
• Planning or building drawings that record earlier site arrangements.

Historic evidence

• Dated photographs.
• Aerial imagery.
• Historic mapping used carefully and for the right purpose.
• Records of earlier building works or boundary replacement.

Physical evidence

• Old wall footings, posts, fixing points and return walls.
• Changes in paving, ground levels and landscaping.
• Building lines and long-standing structures.
• Features that can be tied to old plans or photographs.

Witness evidence

People with first-hand knowledge may be useful, particularly where they can describe a feature before it was moved or removed. Memories should still be tested against objective material.

Organise the evidence so it can be tested

Keep the complete deeds and attached plans, label photographs with their dates and source, and distinguish a witness’s first-hand recollection from an assumption. Add a short timeline of changes. Include documents that appear to support your neighbour as well as your own position; an objective assessment needs the whole picture.