TitleHomebuying Glossary
Encroachment
When a structure or improvement illegally extends onto a neighboring property.
In plain English
An encroachment occurs when part of a building, fence, driveway, or other improvement crosses over the legal boundary line onto an adjacent property, without permission.
Why it matters
Encroachments found during a survey can complicate or delay a sale until resolved — sometimes through a legal agreement, sometimes by physically correcting the structure.
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