Are you aware of where your property ends and your neighborโs starts? This might seem like something that is not that important; after all you get on well with your neighbor and should be able to sort out any issues.
But this is the main problem, an issue can quickly escalate and your agreeable neighbor can dig their heels in leaving you with a deadlock. An alternative option which may cause issues is if your neighbor sells and you have a new neighbor; they might have a firm idea of where they think the boundary line of their own homestead is.
The best solution and an essential one if you have a small homesteadย is to have a topographic land survey completed. This will determine the exact barriers of your property and place land markers. It will also identify any buildings or services that should be considered if you are digging on your land.
Why Staking Property Lines Is So Important?
Preventing Damage
Having a smallholding makes it even more important to have the property lines shown properly. This will allow you to install fences in the right places and maximize your crop growing ground while ensuring that your animals cannot escape.
One escapee can do a huge amount of damage to your neighbors best flower bed or prize-winning marrows; it is best to avoid this type of issue by staking your property lines with secure fencing.
Visible deterrent To Unwelcome Visitors
Your neighbor may accidentally visit your property and this might not be an issue. However, this does not mean that you want everyone wandering across your property. Staking your property lines by buildingย a stone wall orย installing fences should deter anyone from entering the area and causing damage or complaining about being injured by your animals.
Prepares The Way For Building Permits
Before you can apply for building permits you need to have your property lines staked. If this is completed by a professional firm then it is not possible to argue with their results.
While you may have no plans to build on your land, as time progresses and your smallholding expands you may wish to create additional buildings. The first step in this process will already have been completed making everything else much easier.
Allows You To Measure Your Land Area
There are several reasons why you might like or need to know the land area of your property. These include allocating enough space for each animal or even being able to apply for a grant.
By having a survey completed and your boundaries set you will be able to calculate an accurate figure regarding the size of your land and use this to successfully apply for any grants available.
Although you hope it is never necessary, staking your property lines will help to avoid expensive legal issues in the future. You can operate your smallholding knowing that you are working within the confines of the law which will relieve one source of stress. Building a smallholding has enough other issues that you should seize the opportunity to relieve yourself of one.