Ownership, boundaries and neighbours

Legal & ownership Bats in a house you are buying: signs, law and what to do Bats and their roosts are protected by law in the UK, and harming them or their roosts can lead to penalties that can include imprisonment. Finding ba... 4 min read → Legal & ownership Flood risk and property value: what UK buyers should know Flood risk can lower a property's value. Homes in high-risk flood zones often sell for less than similar homes in low-risk areas, face higher insuranc... 9 min read → Legal & ownership Freehold, leasehold and share of freehold: the differences Freehold means owning the property and the land it stands on outright. Leasehold means owning the property, but not the land, for a set period under a... 9 min read → Legal & ownership How to challenge your council tax band in England In England, a council tax band can be challenged by contacting the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) with evidence that the band is wrong, such as similar... 6 min read → Legal & ownership Noise between homes: what buyers should check Older buildings, particularly those built before modern building regulations, often have poor sound insulation, so footsteps, plumbing and conversatio... 5 min read → Legal & ownership Right to light: what homeowners need to know A right to light is an easement, a property right, that allows a property to receive natural light. Under the Prescription Act 1832, light enjoyed wit... 4 min read → Legal & ownership Should you buy a house in a conservation area? For most buyers, yes. A house in a conservation area is usually a sound purchase. The risk lies in unauthorised past alterations, especially in a list... 9 min read → Legal & ownership Which fence is mine, left or right? How to check ownership There is no legal rule in England and Wales that you own the fence on the left, or the right. Fence ownership is set by the title deeds, usually shown... 9 min read →