Navigating Property Disputes: A New Homeowner’s Challenge with Neighbor Claims

Recently, I embarked on an exciting journey of homeownership by purchasing a maisonette complete with a garage and a modest garden in England. After a few days of anticipation, I finally got the keys and began moving my furniture in. However, my excitement quickly turned to confusion and concern when I encountered an unexpected problem involving my neighbor and my new property.

Upon arriving at my new home with a van full of belongings, I was taken aback to find workmen in the garden. They were in the process of chopping down well-established shrubs and removing a fence panel for access from the adjacent garden. Alarmed, I immediately instructed them to halt their activities and inquired why they were in my garden, which is clearly marked by a gate displaying my house number. To my surprise, my neighbor emerged from his property, brandishing paperwork that he believed substantiated his claim to my garden.

The documents he presented were part of an Estate Agent’s brochure, depicting a diagram that outlined his property boundaries. To my dismay, this diagram appeared to show an irregularly shaped garden that encroached upon the land designated for my maisonette as per the Title Plan from the Land Registry, which I had carefully reviewed and stored on my phone. Despite my efforts to clarify ownership using my Title Plan, he remained convinced that the documentation supported his claim. He even indicated that he had reached out to the estate agent involved in my purchase to express his beliefs regarding the matter, although no disputes were noted on the Property Information Form.

Fortunately, I managed to convince the workmen to cease their activities, and the fence panel they had removed was returned to its place. However, I now find myself in need of guidance on how to legally safeguard my garden from any further encroachment or destruction by my neighbor. Given that the sales records show he acquired his property three years ago, it seems suspicious that he would suddenly act now, particularly after the previous owner vacated the premises. The sales particulars for my maisonette explicitly mentioned the inclusion of a garden, which adds further complexity to the situation.

After contacting the estate agent, I learned they were unaware of any disputes and suggested I call the police. Unfortunately, the police deemed it a civil matter and did not offer assistance.

This brings me to my pressing questions: What steps can I take to legally prevent my neighbor from making further attempts to claim my garden, all while keeping