Property Disputes
Residential and commercial property dispute resolution
Disputes over property boundaries, rights of way, easements, and access are common and can be highly stressful for property owners. Whether you are a homeowner, landlord, or commercial property owner, these issues can affect how you use and enjoy your property, reduce its value, and create ongoing tension with neighbours or other parties.
These disputes often arise where there is uncertainty or disagreement about legal rights or the physical extent of land ownership. Common examples include:
- Boundary disputes where fences, walls, or extensions are alleged to cross property lines
- Rights of way disputes over access routes, driveways, or pathways
- Easement disputes relating to drainage, utilities, or service access across land
- Access disputes where entry to a property or land is restricted or contested
- Disagreements arising from historic or unclear property deeds or plans
- Issues involving interference with land use or enjoyment of property
These types of disputes can escalate quickly if not addressed early, particularly where communication between parties has broken down. In many cases, resolving the issue depends on reviewing title documents, historical deeds, surveys, and other property records to establish the legal position.
Where possible, we aim to resolve disputes through negotiation and agreement, helping to avoid unnecessary court proceedings. However, where court action is required, we provide strong representation to support your case.
Our aim is to resolve property disputes in a clear, structured way, reduce conflict, and protect both the value and enjoyment of your property.
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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
Why choose Ellis-Fermor & Negus?
Experienced property dispute solicitors
Expertise in boundaries, rights of way, easements, covenants, and party walls
Practical advice focused on cost-effective dispute resolution
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…
Ben Bourne
Ben Bourne is one of our directors and works within our Commercial Litigation and Charity Law departments. Ben is a member of the Charity Law Association and has also served on a number of Charity Trustee Boards.
Tim Jones
Dispute Resolution/Litigation Tim qualified as a solicitor in 2012 having previously studied at the University of Sheffield and Nottingham Law School. He joined Ellis-Fermor & Negus in 2010 and became a Director in 2025. Tim provides advice and representation in relation to a range of civil disputes but with a particular emphasis on:- Inheritance disputes/contested…
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.
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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.
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Charlotte Price
Charlotte qualified as a Solicitor in 2025 having joined the firm as a trainee in 2023. Prior to that, she studied LLB Law at the University of Nottingham, graduating in 2022 with a first. She then completed the LLM Legal Practice Course at Nottingham Law School. Charlotte provides advice on a range of civil disputes…
0115 972 5222
Charlotte.Price@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Charlotte Price is based at our Long Eaton Office.
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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.
A disagreement over where one property ends and another begins. They 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.
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