Why You Need a Title Plan Before Building an Extension or Fence
Why You Need a Title Plan Before Building an Extension
Before starting any building work near your property boundary, you should check the title plan to understand exactly what land is included in your title.
What the Title Plan Shows
The title plan is an Ordnance Survey-based map with your registered land outlined in red. It shows the general boundaries of your property — that is, the approximate position of the boundary, not its exact legal line.
Why It Matters for Building Work
**Extensions**: If you build an extension that extends beyond your registered title boundary, you could be encroaching on your neighbour's land. Even a few centimetres can cause a boundary dispute.
**Fences and walls**: A fence on the wrong side of the boundary is a common source of neighbour disputes. The title plan helps you understand where the boundary approximately lies.
**Driveways and paths**: Laying a new driveway or path near the boundary requires knowing where your land ends. You should also check the title register for easements that might affect your plans.
**Drainage and utilities**: Building over drains or utility routes that are subject to easements can result in enforcement action.
Limitations of the Title Plan
Title plans show **general boundaries** only. The red line on the plan does not define the exact legal boundary. For precise boundary determination, you would need a boundary agreement with your neighbour or a determination by the Land Registry under the exact boundary procedure.
What to Do Before Building
1. Obtain the title plan for your property
2. Obtain the title plan for neighbouring properties if relevant
3. Check the title register for restrictive covenants that might prevent building
4. Check for easements that might be affected
5. Discuss boundaries with your neighbours before work begins
6. Consider commissioning a measured boundary survey
Get Your Title Plan
Search for your property and purchase the title plan on Online Land Registry.