Encroachment is a real estate term you will encounter when buying, selling, or financing a home in Ventura County. This page gives you a plain-English definition and explains why it matters.
What it means
An encroachment occurs when a building, fence, driveway, or other improvement crosses a property boundary onto an adjoining lot or easement. Encroachments can create disputes, affect title, and complicate a sale. A survey identifies them, and they are sometimes resolved through agreements, easements, or lot line adjustments.
Why it matters in Ventura County
In older Ventura County neighborhoods, fences and additions are not always on the legal line. Brian helps buyers and sellers spot potential encroachment issues early — often through the title report or a survey — so they can be addressed before they derail a closing.
Resolving an encroachment is far easier before contracts are signed than after, when a lender or title company may demand it be cleared to close. Brian raises these issues early so they can be addressed calmly rather than under deadline pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is an encroachment discovered?
Often through a survey or the title process. Visible features like a fence or shed over the line can prompt a closer look.
How are encroachments resolved?
Options include removing the improvement, granting an easement, adjusting the lot line, or a written agreement between neighbors.
Can an encroachment stop a sale?
It can complicate one, especially if a lender or title company requires it resolved. Addressing it early keeps the deal on track.
