Latest news with #HMLandRegistry
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
Painting your side of the garden fence could get you sued, expert warns, as he reveals exactly how the law works
IT'S very important to know your rights if you are embroiled in a fence row with a neighbour. How do I know which side I own? A boundary feature can be a fence, wall, hedge, ditch, piece of wire, or sometimes even just the edge of a driveway. The only way to know for certain who owns what side and to avoid any neighbour disputes, is to refer to the title plan or Land Registry. In this, the T mark is used to indicate who the boundary belongs to and therefore who is responsible for its upkeep, say pros at Jacksons Fencing. Larger developments tend to have some indication provided by the builder, but there are no hard and fast rules People often think they are responsible for the left (or right) hand boundary wherever they live, but there isn't any legal basis for this. You can check with HM Land Registry to see which boundary feature you are responsible for. Often households can't get hold of the paperwork but experts say they shouldn't panic. Homeowners can guess who owns the fence by checking where the rails are. Pros say: "The fence is typically facing away from their property so that their neighbour gets the 'good' side. 'This is the most secure way of facing fencing so there are no rails for anyone to use to climb into your garden. 'This is then repeated with the neighbour on the other side to ensure that each home has both a 'good' and 'bad' fence side.' Walls and fences are often built on the land of the boundary's owner with the edge of the wall marking the limit. While professionals agree a glimpse at the fence can give you a hint, it's not foolproof - so you can't be certain. Fines and punishment It is recommended to always check legal documents before making changes to avoid hefty fines. There is no law that the neighbour has to get the good side of the fence, so it's completely up to whoever owns the fence. Fencing pros have suggested: 'It may be worth selecting a double-sided panel with no 'bad' side as both sides look the same and rails are concealed within the fence panel.' If one boundary backs onto a road or footpath you can install the panels with the rails on the inside But if it's installed on the outside, it can provide an 'easy ladder for burglars to enter your garden'. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Property Litigation Association have created a mediation service to help neighbours resolve disputes over their property boundaries without resorting to court action. RICS also provides a list of surveyors who could assist in boundary disputes. If a dispute continues, it is ultimately a court that makes decisions, but they do not like such disputes being put before them. Changing a boundary If you want to change an existing boundary, such as replacing an old fence with a new one, we always recommend discussing with your neighbour first and making sure it is all agreed. The registered titles can help you to reach an agreement, but only if this information has been added. In terms of decorations on a fence legal advisers recommended asking around over who actually first installed it. But they also urged caution before getting to work on amending the fence without getting more certainty yourself - since there is a danger of actually being prosecuted for criminal damage. How high can a garden fence be? The height of the fence is measured from your ground level, this can have an impact when, due to slopes in the ground, your garden may be at a higher level than your neighbours'. A garden fence can be as high as 100m but you need to get planning permission if it's over than 2m. However, there are some complications to this. If you are thinking about front garden fences, restrictions state that fences alongside a driveway can be a maximum of 1m or 3ft. You would need to get planning permission for putting a trellis on a fence of 2m. But, if any plant that you grow on that trellis exceeds 2m, you do not need to obtain a permit for the growing plant.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
My scruff neighbour is messing up my fence after I spent £300 on it, so I got revenge but don't know if I'm in the wrong
IT'S very important to know your rights if you are embroiled in a fence row with a neighbour. How do I know which side I own? A boundary feature can be a fence, wall, hedge, ditch, piece of wire, or sometimes even just the edge of a driveway. The only way to know for certain who owns what side and to avoid any neighbour disputes, is to refer to the title plan or Land Registry. In this, the T mark is used to indicate who the boundary belongs to and therefore who is responsible for its upkeep, say pros at Jacksons Fencing. Larger developments tend to have some indication provided by the builder, but there are no hard and fast rules People often think they are responsible for the left (or right) hand boundary wherever they live, but there isn't any legal basis for this. You can check with HM Land Registry to see which boundary feature you are responsible for. Often households can't get hold of the paperwork but experts say they shouldn't panic. Homeowners can guess who owns the fence by checking where the rails are. Pros say: "The fence is typically facing away from their property so that their neighbour gets the 'good' side. 'This is the most secure way of facing fencing so there are no rails for anyone to use to climb into your garden. 'This is then repeated with the neighbour on the other side to ensure that each home has both a 'good' and 'bad' fence side.' Walls and fences are often built on the land of the boundary's owner with the edge of the wall marking the limit. While professionals agree a glimpse at the fence can give you a hint, it's not foolproof - so you can't be certain. Fines and punishment It is recommended to always check legal documents before making changes to avoid hefty fines. There is no law that the neighbour has to get the good side of the fence, so it's completely up to whoever owns the fence. Fencing pros have suggested: 'It may be worth selecting a double-sided panel with no 'bad' side as both sides look the same and rails are concealed within the fence panel.' If one boundary backs onto a road or footpath you can install the panels with the rails on the inside But if it's installed on the outside, it can provide an 'easy ladder for burglars to enter your garden'. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Property Litigation Association have created a mediation service to help neighbours resolve disputes over their property boundaries without resorting to court action. RICS also provides a list of surveyors who could assist in boundary disputes. If a dispute continues, it is ultimately a court that makes decisions, but they do not like such disputes being put before them. Changing a boundary If you want to change an existing boundary, such as replacing an old fence with a new one, we always recommend discussing with your neighbour first and making sure it is all agreed. The registered titles can help you to reach an agreement, but only if this information has been added. In terms of decorations on a fence legal advisers recommended asking around over who actually first installed it. But they also urged caution before getting to work on amending the fence without getting more certainty yourself - since there is a danger of actually being prosecuted for criminal damage. How high can a garden fence be? The height of the fence is measured from your ground level, this can have an impact when, due to slopes in the ground, your garden may be at a higher level than your neighbours'. A garden fence can be as high as 100m but you need to get planning permission if it's over than 2m. However, there are some complications to this. If you are thinking about front garden fences, restrictions state that fences alongside a driveway can be a maximum of 1m or 3ft. You would need to get planning permission for putting a trellis on a fence of 2m. But, if any plant that you grow on that trellis exceeds 2m, you do not need to obtain a permit for the growing plant.
Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Data from Open Property Group Reveals Costly Legal Battles for Property Fraud Victims
LONDON, UK / / August 6, 2025 / Open Property Group have analysed data which shows property title fraud has surged by 78% in the past 12 months. This marks the biggest spike in fraudulent property activity in two decades. As criminals increasingly target landlords, vulnerable homeowners, and unmonitored titles, thousands of people are at risk of losing their homes, often without knowing until it's too late. Experts say the victims are most often absent owners, such as landlords or people living abroad, who may not regularly monitor their property title. What does the key data show? 78% increase in property title fraud cases: HM Land Registry data shows a staggering 78% year-on-year rise in fraudulent title activity, driven by identity theft, forged documents, and digital loopholes. £27 million in property value was illegally transferred in 2024: Criminals targeted properties with high equity or no mortgage. Many fraudulent sales were completed before owners discovered the crime. 86% of fraud victims were absent owners: Landlords, overseas investors, and elderly homeowners in care are prime targets due to infrequent checks on legal title or correspondence. Over 3,200 properties flagged by the Land Registry's Property Alert Service: The number of properties flagged for suspicious activity rose 46% year-on-year in 2024. Fraud cases take 9-18 months to resolve, with legal costs often exceeding £30,000: Some owners never reclaim their properties and many cannot afford the legal battle Only 1 in 5 fraud victims recover full ownership without litigation: Just 20% of victims have their title restored without involving solicitors or legal proceedings. Shop Top Mortgage Rates Your Path to Homeownership A quicker path to financial freedom Personalized rates in minutes Jason Harris-Cohen, Managing Director of Open Property Group said: "This sharp rise in title fraud is a wake-up call for every property owner in the UK. Criminals are targeting properties that appear vulnerable, especially vacant buy-to-lets, inherited homes, and unregistered titles. What's most alarming is that many people don't even know they've been defrauded until months later. At Open Property Group, we've seen increasing numbers of sellers coming to us after discovering serious issues with their title or ownership. Every homeowner should be using the Land Registry's Property Alert service, securing their deeds digitally, and staying vigilant especially landlords with empty or tenanted properties. Prevention is cheaper than litigation, and the risk is no longer hypothetical." With property fraud rising at an alarming rate, homeowners across the UK, particularly landlords and absentee owners, are being urged to take immediate steps to safeguard their properties before it's too late. About Open Property Group Open Property Group is a leading cash house buyer that purchases residential properties directly from homeowners across England and Wales. The company specialises in selling your house fast, offering quick, hassle-free sales regardless of condition, tenancy status, or legal complexity. Whether you're a homeowner, landlord, or investor, Open Property Group provides a trusted alternative to the open market. Learn more at Media Contact: David Donaldsonhello@ SOURCE: Open Property Group View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
The Irish Sun
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
We ditched the UK for Bulgaria & got a huge house with 1.5 acres of land for £7k – but trolls say ‘a B&Q shed is nicer'
A COUPLE have revealed that they ditched life in Bournemouth and moved to Bulgaria. Rather than breaking the bank each month on a costly mortgage in the UK, Lewis and his wife Jordan purchased a huge property for £7,000. 2 A couple have opened up on leaving life in the UK for Bulgaria Credit: 2 Lewis and Jordan now have a huge property and 1.5 acres of land Credit: Not only is the house massive, but it even came with 1.5 acres of land too. Lewis explained that deciding whether to leave their life in But they put themselves out of their comfort zones and left their UK life behind for an Posting on social media, Lewis and Jordan - who have two children, Leo and Fae - gave their followers a close-up look at their Bulgarian property. Read more real life stories The couple bought the house online, without having viewed it in person. And whilst the large plot is in need of some work, not only did they get a six room property for £7,000, but they also got a free extra house and a massive barn thrown in too. As well as this, there's also space for two workshops and a shower room too. Whilst the average house price in the UK varies massively by the region and the month, in August 2024, it was reported that the average house price in the UK was £292,924, up from £285,073 a year earlier, according to the latest HM Land Registry UK House Price Index. Most read in Fabulous Not only did the family luck out with their cheap property, which was £285,924 less than the average home in the UK, but Lewis explained that the family got 'pretty lucky with the views' and the massive garden too. The content creator, who claimed the family have five years residency which they can renew when the time comes, lives on the derelict land, which is in the middle of nowhere. We lived in one of the UK's most expensive seaside towns but house prices were mental - so we saved £293k by packing up and moving abroad Showing off the rural property Lewis confirmed: 'Since we got here, we have been constantly working on it - although you might think that it still looks bad, it actually looked a lot worse.' As well as a space for Lewis to store his tools, Jordan has her own craft room and there's even an outside play area for the kids. The family also has a vegetable patch, as the father explained: 'The goal with the garden is to be able to grow lots of produce - grow tomatoes, cucumbers in bulk rather than in small quantities.' Thrilled with their purchase, Lewis later shared: 'I personally think this house is worth way more than £7,000 - even if the market value was £7,000, because in the UK, good luck getting a house like this for £7,000.' Moving house hacks 1. Declutter Before You Pack Sort through your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer need. Donate, sell, or recycle items to lighten your load. 2. Create an Inventory Make a list of all your items. This helps keep track of everything and ensures nothing gets lost in the move. 3. Use Quality Packing Materials Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape. This will protect your belongings during the move. 4. Label Everything Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This makes unpacking much easier and more organized. 5. Pack a 'First Day' Box Include essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks, and important documents. This will keep you from rummaging through boxes on your first day. 6. Take Photos of Electronics Setup Before unplugging your electronics, take photos of the wiring setup. This will make it easier to reconnect everything at your new place. 7. Use Suitcases for Heavy Items Pack books and other heavy items in rolling suitcases. This makes them easier to transport and reduces the risk of injury. 8. Colour-Code Your Boxes Use different coloured stickers or markers for each room. This will help movers quickly identify where each box should go in your new home. Social media users react The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ Not only this, but it's also amassed 19,800 likes, 601 comments and 1,799 saves. But social media users were left totally divided by the couple's home - while many thought it was 'beautiful,' others questioned their desire to One user gushed: 'Looking fabulous, good luck with your amazing new life.' You could have easily done this in Italy or Spain. Bulgaria is a stretch TikTok user A second chimed in: 'Good for you. What an experience!' Whilst someone else beamed: 'Very scenic and beautiful house.' However, at the same time, one person said: 'I could buy a shed from B&Q for less and nicer.' Another added: 'You could have easily done this in Italy or Spain. Bulgaria is a stretch.' Whilst a third asked: 'Who wants to live in Bulgaria?' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
Rhyl Journal
22-06-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Average house prices and rental costs in Flintshire revealed
In Flintshire, there was an increase in the price to buy a property, while renting remained cheaper compared to the rest of Wales. The provisional average house price in Flintshire in April 2025 was £218,000. This was higher than the average of £201,000 in April 2024, a 8.4% rise. Average house price for first-time buyers in April 2025 in Flintshire (Image: UK House Price Index from Office for National Statistics and HM Land Registry) Across Wales, the average house price in April 2025 was £210,000, which was £10,000 more expensive than the previous year. Whereas across the UK, a home sold for an average of £265,000 in April 2025, which was up from the April 2024 average of £256,000. Renting in Flintshire showed to be lower than in Wales by 8.5%. The average monthly private rent was £758 in May 2025. This was an increase from £713 in May 2024, a 6.2% rise. In the UK, rent prices are now £1,339 on average. Read more The average price paid by first-time buyers was £188,000 in April 2025. This was higher than the average of £173,000 in April 2024 by 8.8%. For homes bought with a mortgage, the average house price was £217,000 in April 2025. The ONS reveals this was 8.7% higher than the average of £200,000 in April 2024.
