Boundary disputes often happen when property lines are unclear or neighbors disagree on where one property ends and another begins. While these issues might seem minor, they can lead to bigger problems if you leave them unresolved.
Understanding how to handle boundary disputes before completing a home purchase can prevent future conflicts and protect your investment.
Get a professional land survey
You can hire a licensed surveyor to visit the property and measure the exact boundaries based on public records. The surveyor will also mark the property lines, helping you and your neighbor clearly understand where the boundaries lie. Having a current survey on file can make it easier to resolve any disagreements and provide you with the peace of mind that you are buying what you expect.
Your neighbor might claim to already have survey documentation. In that case, be sure to check that the findings are accurate. If a neighbor offers to bring in someone to survey the land, check that the individual has an active license with the State of Connecticut.
Communicate peacefully with your neighbor
Once you have the results of the survey, talk to your neighbor about the situation. Sometimes, boundary disputes happen because of misunderstandings, outdated surveys, or assumptions people have made over time.
Share the results of the new survey with your neighbor and try to come to an agreement. Keeping the conversation friendly and respectful can help avoid escalating the issue into a bigger conflict.
Take legal action if the dispute continues
If you cannot resolve the boundary dispute through communication, you may need to take further action. One option is mediation, where a neutral third party helps resolve the dispute. On the other hand, you may need to file a claim to officially settle the boundary in court. Taking these steps before finalizing the purchase can prevent ongoing problems.
Resolving boundary disputes early is key to a smooth home purchase. Importantly, it ensures you safeguard one of your most significant investments.