While lots of people live quite happily alongside their neighbours, that is not always the case. If you have a tense relationship with your neighbours, it can be really stressful - especially when issues crop up.

One of the more common issues that can develop between neighbours is boundary disputes. If your neighbour thinks they own part of the land, and you think you own it it can quickly escalate especially if someone wants to modify the property or land. Richard Chapman, a property litigation expert at Helix Law said: "People often suffer in silence because they're unsure of their legal rights when it comes to neighbour disputes."

That's why he has shared his knowledge on how to solve a border dispute before it turns nasty.

He said it's important to look over the paperwork first to figure out who owns what.

Richard said: "The starting point for boundary disputes is to check the property deeds and plans registered with the Land Registry."

Although this is a useful starting point, Richard warned it might not be that simple. He added: "These aren't definitive and it can be necessary to obtain a declaration from the court, especially as boundaries can change over time through agreements or long-term use."

Solicitor Sophie Campbell-Adams of Britton and Time, who has worked in property law since 2016, told the Express last month that boundary disputes often boil down to three main aspects: fencing, trees and property expansions.

She said: "Damaged or rotting fences are a leading cause of neighbour and boundary disputes. When you buy a house with a garden, you'll normally be responsible for some of the fences along the boundary.

"If these are damaged for whatever reason, it's your responsibility to repair them and refusing to do so can lead to a dispute."

Another common issue is trees draping over fences, or falling in storms and damaging property. It's also important to know exactly who owns which trees, as if you remove one you believe to be yours and you're wrong, you are liable to replace it.

She said in the first instance, try to speak with your neighbour and mediate it that way. Many disputes can be solved with a simple conversation. Litigation should be the last resort as it can get very expensive - and even if you win, you still have to live next door to the neighbour you brought to court.