Skip to Main Content
Exterior view of the Ellis-Fermor & Negus solicitors office featuring the firm's signage and a car park in the East Midlands Overlay

Property Disputes

Helping You Resolve Property Disputes

Disputes over property boundaries, rights of way, easements and access can be highly stressful and, if left unresolved, can become increasingly difficult and expensive to deal with. A disagreement with a neighbour or another property owner may affect how you use your land, your ability to access your property, plans for development or alterations, and even the value and future saleability of the property. What may initially appear to be a relatively small disagreement can therefore have significant practical and financial consequences.

At Ellis-Fermor & Negus, we advise homeowners, landlords, developers, businesses and commercial property owners on a wide range of property disputes. We can assist with boundary disputes, rights of way, easements, access rights and disagreements about the use or ownership of land, helping you understand your legal position and the options available to you.

Whether you are facing a disagreement over a boundary, need to establish or enforce a right of way, are dealing with an obstruction to access, or are concerned about how another person is using land, early legal advice can make a significant difference. We can assess the strength of your position, explain the potential risks and costs, and help you decide the most appropriate way forward.

We act for clients in both residential and commercial property disputes, from individual homeowners dealing with neighbouring landowners to businesses and property investors facing disputes that could affect the use, development or value of their property. Our focus is on providing clear advice, protecting your legal rights and resolving the dispute as efficiently and proportionately as possible.

 

Have a question? Jump to our FAQs ↓

 

A friendly interaction between solicitors at Ellis-Fermor & Negus, showcasing approachability and professionalism in a legal office environment.

Make a Free Enquiry Today

infomation@ellis-fermor.co.uk

Service Form
I agree to opt in for marketing
Smiling solicitor in a light blue shirt and red tie, representing the East Midlands legal firm Ellis-Fermor & Negus, known for family law, property law, and employment law.

We are very satisfied with the service provided by Darren Kelly and his team. EFN will be our ‘go to’ firm of solicitors for all legal matters in future.

Darren Kelly

Director and Head of Dispute Resolution

Talk to our team

Why choose Ellis-Fermor & Negus?

Residential and commercial property expertise under one roof

Representation in negotiation, mediation, and litigation

Trusted by homeowners, landlords, and commercial clients across the East Midlands

Meet the team

Darren Kelly

Darren is the Head of our Dispute Resolution team and has over 20 years’ experience in Dispute Resolution. Darren qualified as a Solicitor in 1999 after reading Law and undertaking the Legal Practice Course at the University of Sheffield. He worked for a time as a legal clerk before joining Ellis-Fermor & Negus in 1998…

01773 744 744

d.kelly@ellis-fermor.co.uk

Darren Kelly is based at our Ripley Office.

View profile
Smiling young solicitor in a formal suit and orange tie, representing Ellis-Fermor & Negus law firm.

Dylan Stanway

Dylan is a Solicitor in the Litigation department at our Ripley office. Dylan Studied LLB Law undergraduate degree at the University of Nottingham. He then completed the Legal Practice Course in the first intake at the University of Law in Nottingham. Dylan lives in Beeston and enjoys running in his free time, especially in Wollaton…

01773 744 744

Dylan.Stanway@ellis-fermor.co.uk

Dylan Stanway is based at our Ripley Office.

View profile
Close-up portrait of a professional solicitor from Ellis-Fermor & Negus, showcasing approachable legal expertise in East Midlands.

Claire Bristol

Claire has specialised in Personal Injury and Debt Collection for over 20 years. Claire attended Sheffield University where she obtained a BA Hons in Medieval & Modern History. After working as an Insurance broker and obtaining Insurance qualifications, Claire gained employment as a trainee Legal Executive and qualified as a Legal Executive in 1994 (known…

01773 744 744

c.bristol@ellis-fermor.co.uk

Claire Bristol is based at our Ripley Office.

View profile
Solicitors discussing legal matters during a consultation at Ellis-Fermor & Negus in Beeston

Reviews, what our clients are saying…

‘We met Tim Jones at a very anxious time for us …..he was kind and caring going the extra mile to ease our concerns. Tim was very knowledgeable and professional. Tim kept us updated at all times during the process… his advice was always sensible .Tim was very approachable ..we would highly recommend Tim and will use him again we trust him …’

‘Darren, Sarah and the team were incredible – so supportive and understanding throughout the process. This was my first experience requiring a solicitor of this nature, and they took the time to explain the steps clearly and answer all my (many) questions. They always answer the phone first time, respond to emails quickly and handled the whole situation very swiftly, professionally and with care, with a positive result at the end. Thank you so much Darren, Sarah and team!’

‘Ben provided me with some excellent advice and dealt with my matter swiftly and efficiently. His friendly but professional manner and the way he described and explained the various clauses gave me the confidence that I needed to sign the documentation without hesitation. Thanks also goes to Eliza for making the necessary arrangements and keeping me informed.’

‘EF&N responded to my initial enquiry very diligently and quickly. That level of service continued through to closing out the matter. We are very satisfied with the service provided by Darren Kelly and his team. Lines of communication were clear. The EFN team were easy to contact and responded to correspondence quickly. EFN will be our ‘go to’ firm of solicitors for all legal matters in future. Many thanks.’

‘Tim jones, acted quickly and made sure to give me time of day even with my busy schedule. Tim made things super easy to understand. Will definitely use again if needed, and recommend Tim, thankyou.’

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Property disputes can arise in various situations, including:

  • Boundary disputes – disagreement over the precise lines dividing properties
  • Rights of way and access issues – disagreements over shared paths or access to land
  • Encroachments – structures, fences, or gardens extending onto neighbouring land
  • Easements and restrictive covenants – disputes over rights or limitations affecting the property
  • Party walls – disagreements when building near or on a shared wall
  • Land registration and title issues – disputes over ownership, unregistered land, or adverse possession

Each type of dispute requires careful legal consideration to prevent escalation and protect your interests.

We act for a wide range of clients, including:

  • Homeowners – ensuring your rights are protected and resolving neighbour disputes
  • Landlords – managing disputes that may affect rental income or property access
  • Commercial property owners – protecting business interests and resolving access issues
  • Developers and investors – clarifying boundaries and easements to prevent future litigation

Our experience in both residential and commercial property law enables us to provide practical, effective solutions tailored to each situation.

Disagreements over boundaries are one of the most common sources of tension between neighbours. Boundary disputes can involve:

  • Fences, walls, or hedges encroaching on a neighbour’s land
  • Disputes over garden or driveway lines
  • Disagreements arising from historic maps, deeds, or land surveys

How We Help:

  • Conducting a detailed review of title deeds, surveys, and property plans
  • Advising on negotiation strategies and potential mediation
  • Representing clients in court proceedings if required
  • Seeking injunctions or compensation where appropriate

Early legal advice is essential to prevent disputes from escalating into costly litigation.

Rights of way disputes typically involve access to land or property, and may include:

  • Shared driveways or pathways
  • Public or private access across private land
  • Disagreements over maintenance responsibilities

How We Help:

  • Reviewing deeds, easements, and historic access agreements
  • Negotiating practical solutions and formalising access rights
  • Resolving disputes via mediation or formal legal action when necessary

Our goal is to ensure your access rights are legally recognised and enforceable.

Encroachment disputes occur when a property owner’s structure or improvement extends onto a neighbour’s land. Easements and restrictive covenants may also limit the use of property, leading to disputes.

How We Help:

  • Assess the legal validity of easements or covenants
  • Advise on options such as removal, compensation, or modification
  • Represent clients in negotiations or court proceedings if necessary

Resolving these disputes promptly protects your property value and avoids ongoing tension.

If you are planning to build near a shared wall or structure, you may face a party wall dispute.

We advise on:

  • Compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
  • Serving notices to neighbours
  • Negotiating party wall agreements
  • Resolving disputes over damage or access

Our solicitors ensure that building works proceed legally and with minimal conflict.

Sometimes disputes arise over ownership of unregistered land or long-standing use of property by another party. This may involve:

  • Adverse possession claims
  • Challenging claims of long-term occupation
  • Updating Land Registry entries

We guide clients through these disputes, ensuring ownership rights are protected and proper registration is maintained.

Step 1: Early Assessment

  • Review title deeds, surveys, and historical records
  • Assess strengths and weaknesses of your case
  • Provide clear advice on practical and legal options

Step 2: Negotiation and Mediation

  • Attempt to resolve disputes without litigation
  • Draft legally enforceable agreements where appropriate
  • Minimise cost, stress, and damage to relationships

Step 3: Formal Legal Action

  • Issue proceedings in the County Court or High Court
  • Seek injunctions, declarations, or compensation
  • Represent clients at hearings to protect legal rights

 

Yes. Many property disputes are resolved through negotiation, mediation, or alternative dispute resolution.

When someone occupies land they do not own for a certain period, they may claim legal ownership under specific conditions.

Yes. Legal advice ensures your rights are protected and the dispute is managed efficiently.

Resolution depends on complexity, parties involved, and whether litigation is necessary. Some cases may be resolved in weeks; others may take months.

Remedies include removal of encroachments, enforcement of easements, compensation, injunctions, or declarations of rights.

Yes. We provide advice and representation for homeowners, landlords, tenants, and commercial property owners.

Contact Us

Property disputes can be stressful and affect your investment or enjoyment of your land. Our solicitors provide expert advice, practical solutions, and robust representation to resolve disputes efficiently and protect your legal rights.

• Phone:

0115 972 5222 (Long Eaton)

0115 896 3390 (West Bridgford)

0115 922 1591 (Beeston)

01773 821665 (Belper)

01773 744744 (Ripley)

• Email: infomation@ellis-fermor.co.uk

• Online Enquiry: ellis-fermor.co.uk/contact-us

Get expert advice on property disputes today

Speak to us without obligation

Ellis Fermor 2026 All rights reserved. Website by Fifteen.co.uk