At ProMediate our mediators deal with a wide range of disputes including contractual disputes, wills and probate, inheritance, property disputes and workplace. Independent mediation can be a cost effective way of sorting issues out.
One of the issues we frequently come across is neighbour disputes, although we mostly deal with high value complex neighbour disputes about boundaries.
Recent research from Compare the Market shows that 49% of people have had a dispute with their neighbour and the worst area is Newcastle! Insurers often end up having to deal with legal disputes between neighbours if covered under a home insurance policy
It is in their interests to resolve disputes early on as neighbour disputes can be expensive. Quite rightly they recommend talking with the neighbour first and communication can be key. The neighbour may simply be unaware they are disturbing their neighbour or knotweed has taken root in the garden! They may think the patch of land belongs to their property or that the fence has always been there. However, sometimes things have gone too far and then I would suggest mediation is the best option because a mediator can step in and assist with negotiations.
To read the research go to https://www.comparethemarket.com/home-insurance/content/dealing-with-neighbour-disputes/