People and organizations investing in real property often focus primarily on improvements. Their goal is to acquire a commercial building or a residential home. However, what they technically purchase is the land and any improvements erected on it.
When looking at the legal description of the property, the focus is on the boundaries of the parcel rather than the improvements erected on the parcel. The land itself represents a significant portion of the property’s value. Therefore, boundary disputes with neighbors could lead to a reduction in property value. How can real property owners address boundary disputes with their neighbors?
With a review of documents
Reviewing the legal descriptions for both properties can potentially help settle disputes about boundaries. Frequently, owners rely on landmarks or statements made by prior owners to understand where the boundary of the property falls. Reviewing the legal descriptions on record with county authorities can help those embroiled in the boundary dispute determine where the boundary falls.
With a survey
Frequently, legal descriptions are complex. People may struggle to understand them. They may need to hire a surveyor to establish where the boundary actually falls.
With civil litigation
If a neighboring property owner refuses to acknowledge survey results, incursions over the property line may continue. In such cases, civil litigation may be necessary.
A civil court judge can issue an injunction prohibiting construction over a boundary line or actions that violate a neighbor’s property rights. They can even order the removal of improvements that cross the boundary line in some cases. Additionally, judges can update title records to correct inaccurate legal descriptions.
Those dealing with real property conflicts, such as disputes related to boundaries, may need help resolving the matter. Protecting real property by establishing and enforcing a boundary is important for those who have invested in real estate.