Boundary Surveys

Boundary surveys are used to determine the exact boundaries which separate land owned by one person from that owned by another. 

Every property has a precise legal boundary, although due to the boundary being an invisible line, defining the boundary can be challenging. While The Land Register can provide general guidance of where boundaries lie, it does not constitute definite information. 

A land survey performed by a chartered survey can bring some much-needed clarity to a boundary dispute, or any other matter whereby the precise boundaries of a piece of land need to be determined. 

Based in the North West, Anderton Gables is a leading provider of boundary surveys in the UK. 

Our team works with a range of commercial sectors to provide accurate, cost-effective and detailed boundary surveys.

Craig Greaves
Associate Director

Adam Wenmouth
Associate Director

Our Boundary Surveying Services

As chartered land surveyors, we can be called upon to provide boundary expertise whether the matter is related to a dispute or something else such as proposed changes to the land. 

Our surveyors use a complex range of tools and technologies to ensure accurate results. Alongside our 3D laser scanners and GPS systems, we also conduct desk-based research including looking at historical land records and other relevant information of interest. 

The information will then be compiled into a survey report, which can be used as evidence or to serve as reliable documentation should the information about the precise boundaries be required in the future. 

Our Boundary Surveying Services Include:

  • Boundary surveys are most commonly associated with boundary disputes since disagreements can arise when the precise boundaries of a piece of land cannot be proven. As chartered surveyors, we employ a range of specialist equipment and also conduct thorough research to reach our conclusions. Often, a boundary survey can be required as part of legal proceedings, though they can also be conducted to prevent future disputes.

  • Prior to the sale of land or commercial property, our surveyors can carry out a boundary survey to ensure the land area is accurately represented in legal documents. Furthermore, if a piece of land is currently subject to a boundary dispute, then this can impact its marketability and sale price. Therefore, a boundary survey can also help resolve any issues to facilitate a smoother sales process.

  • When looking to build on a piece of land, it is essential to know the precise boundaries to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations

  • Sometimes a boundary survey is required to make changes to a boundary itself. For instance, when wanting to replace a wall or fence. Also, when subdividing or consolidating the land. Our surveyors can provide precise information so that the proposed changes can move ahead. While the survey may be required to settle a current dispute, documenting the precise boundary lines can also prevent future disputes, including as a result of the proposed changes.

Awards & Recognitions

Benefits Of Boundary Surveys



Being privy to precise information about how a piece of land is divided can create endless advantages for a land or property owner. 

Whether a dispute is active or not, boundary surveys seek to record land boundaries that, while invisible, can create various issues should they not be clearly documented. 

Based on the commercial clients we serve across the North West of the UK, these are some of the top benefits that boundary surveys can provide.

  • Boundary disputes frequently require a boundary survey conducted by a chartered surveyor to be able to achieve a resolution between both parties. One of the most valuable aspects of a boundary survey is that it can replace ambiguity with clarity. It ensures that land or property owners can move ahead with their respective interests, whether the boundary survey is enough to settle the dispute, or if the boundary survey is required to pursue further legal action. Undertaking a boundary survey can also be useful in preventing further disputes.

  • Most freely available information about a property or piece of land (i.e. the title deeds) often states general boundaries. However, this information often lacks precision and accuracy. As land surveys are conducted by land surveyors, this ensures the information is subject to an expert opinion. The methods of conducting the survey are also methodical using both physical and desk-based investigations. The survey report can also be used to support a legal case if the case moves to arbitration or ends up in court.

  • The Land Registry is not responsible for determining boundaries and instead can only provide details of general boundaries. However, this can create issues prior to buying or selling land. It can also lead to future disputes if clear ownership of the land cannot be determined. Boundary surveys take a thorough approach to determine the precise boundaries between parcels of land. These surveys offer a reliable and robust way to move land sales or planned developments ahead.

  • Precise boundary information can be required to ensure compliance with building regulations or environmental laws. To ensure that a land or development project stays within the legal boundaries, a boundary survey can be used to remove potential ambiguities. The survey can look at aspects such as new buildings, fences and car parks to prevent encroachment on neighbouring properties or land.

  • While boundary surveys are mostly associated with boundary disputes, they can serve various other uses. The information in a boundary survey can be used to confirm the exact property lines prior to the sale of property or land. Furthermore, a boundary survey can be used to establish the right of way or liabilities relating to the property boundaries. Overall, a boundary survey demonstrates clear ownership of the property or land, which can also increase the 

    value and marketability of the asset.

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Property Boundary Surveying FAQs

Have a question before instructing our surveyors to undertake a boundary survey? We’ve answered some of the most popular queries below. 

For anything else or to arrange a consultation please contact our team in Liverpool, Manchester or Preston today on 0161 696 3119. 

  • A boundary survey involves undertaking detailed research and physical measurements to determine the boundaries of a property or piece of land. It is conducted by a land surveyor either to establish or reestablish the legal boundaries of a property.

    A boundary survey plays an important role in determining property rights and ownership, including when the information is required to settle disputes or uncertainties about the boundaries.

  • During a boundary survey, a surveyor will physically locate the boundary lines using tools such as GPS, total stations and electronic distance measurement devices. To be able to clearly indicate the position of the boundary, the surveyor will often place new survey boundary markers or monuments along the property boundaries. 


    The surveyor will also conduct a thorough examination of any available property records or other legal documents such as title deeds, historical records or aerial photographs. 


    Once the survey is complete, the surveyor will prepare a boundary survey report. This certified document shows the boundary lines, landmarks and any other relevant information that is required.

  • To be able to establish the exact property lands which divide a parcel of land, a boundary survey is often required. Also known as a boundary line survey, our chartered surveyors conduct physical surveys of the land and also consult historical records to determine the exact measurements.


  • To get a quote for a boundary survey in Greater Manchester, Merseyside or Lancashire, please give us a call on 0161 696 3119.


    Once we understand the scope of your project, including whether you also require additional services we can then provide you with an estimate for how much your boundary survey will cost.

  • When you are unsure of the property boundary you may need to instruct a surveyor to carry out a boundary marking survey.


    At Anderton Gables, our land surveyors perform boundary surveys for a multitude of reasons. 

    Boundary disputes are the most common reason why a boundary survey may be needed, including due to boundary encroachment or if the boundaries are required to support a legal case. 


    Additionally, boundary surveys can assist in the sale of land, easement or right of way issues, land development applications, building expansion plans or insurance purposes. 


    If you want to know whether a boundary survey could be useful for your particular commercial concern, please contact us to find out more.

  • Sometimes, an informal discussion can be all it takes to resolve a boundary issue with a neighbour. 


    However, where these initial discussions do not reach an amicable resolution, or where precise boundary information is required (i.e. due to the sale of land), it’s time to appoint an expert. 


    As chartered land surveyors specialising in boundary work, we can not only physically survey the site but also check any background information such as historical documents or aerial photographs. 


    Crucially, as the Land Registry typically only gives general boundary information, we can use our expertise to clarify any aspects that are currently being disputed. Our subsequent surveyor’s report can also be used to provide evidence should the matter progress to arbitration or a court tribunal. 

  • Many land and property owners request a legal boundary survey. In reality, the process of making the information legal can be more complex. 


    A boundary survey can certainly provide factual evidence when undergoing legal proceedings relating to the position of a boundary. However, the final outcome can only be made by a judge, or by two neighbours who agree to formally document the boundary decision.

  • The ‘General Boundaries Rule’ has existed in England since 1875. It describes a general indication of where the boundaries lie. This information can be found when you purchase the title deeds from The Land Registry. 


    Crucially, it is referred to as a general boundary, as The Land Registry is not responsible for outlining the precise boundaries which divide individual parcels of land. 


    Therefore, a boundary survey conducted by a qualified surveyor is the only way to determine the actual boundary. The only exception is if the title deed contains a notice saying the boundary has been determined or agreed upon. 

  • Naturally, anyone in search of a boundary survey in Manchester or our surrounding areas across the North West may be concerned with the accuracy of the survey data.


    As RICS surveyors, we employ both the best tools as well as our vast knowledge to produce highly accurate boundary surveys. 


    Generally speaking, our surveying equipment includes 3D laser scanners, GPS, total stations and drones. The most common equipment used for a boundary survey includes 3D laser scanners and GPS. 


    The benefit of GPS in particular is that it is not only extremely reliable but can vastly cut the time it takes to perform a boundary survey. Even if there is a desire not to rely on GPS for the final boundary measurement, the data can still provide a useful backup measurement.

  • The Land Registry can provide details of the general boundaries of a property or piece of land. However, in England and Wales, the exact boundary is usually not recorded. 


    Instead, when wanting a definite answer of where the boundaries lie, you will need to instruct a surveyor to conduct a boundary survey. For residential property, this is sometimes referred to as a house boundary survey or a home boundary survey.


    As part of our commercial services, we can help determine the exact location of your property or land boundary to satisfy a number of objects. These include preventing legal disputes, ensuring compliance, facilitating property transactions, supporting development projects and identifying rights of way.


    If your organisation is based in Manchester, Liverpool, Preston or the surrounding areas and you need a copy of your land boundary survey, please contact us to arrange a survey. Our surveyors will visit your site to conduct the survey so that we can provide you with the required documentation.

  • At Anderton Gables, we conduct both boundary surveys and land surveys for our clients across the North West of the UK. 


    While there are some similarities between both survey types, there are also some major differences between a boundary and a land survey. 


    As the name suggests, the purpose of a boundary survey is to determine the location of the boundaries on a piece of land. Often, this information can be required to resolve disputes, to facilitate the sale of the land or when needing to replace the boundary itself. The survey covers aspects such as property corners, boundary lines, easements and encroachments.


    When a more detailed assessment of the land is needed, a land survey can include the location boundary lines. However, it will also include other features such as elevation changes, existing structures, vegetation and water features. Often, this information is needed when looking to develop or build on the land, or when needing to study the environmental features of the land. 


    Unsure which survey type you require? Please get in touch with the team here at Anderton Gables so we can provide you with tailored advice. 

How Do I Choose A Qualified Boundary Surveyor?


Boundary surveys are a highly skilled specialism owing to the need to provide highly accurate information. 


AsRICS surveyors, the team here at Anderton Gables are fully qualified and highly experienced in all aspects of boundary and land disputes.


Some of the top things to look for when choosing a boundary surveyor include: 

  • Are they qualified, RICS regulated and insured in the UK? 

  • Are they a specialist in boundary work?

  • Do they have experience in land mapping and land surveys?

  • Are they familiar with why boundary surveys are required, including for court proceedings?

If there are any further questions you have about choosing the right boundary surveyor, please reach out to our team. Depending on the reasons for needing a boundary survey, it’s essential to find a surveyor who can provide the right skills and expertise to assist your case. 

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Anderton Gables - Discover Our Boundary Survey UK Services 

Anderton Gables is based in the North West of the UK with offices in Liverpool, Manchester and Preston. 

To arrange a boundary survey please get in touch with our team. 

Alternatively, give us a call on 0161 696 3119 to find out more.