What does an encroachment refer to in property terms?

An encroachment in property terms specifically refers to something that is placed on a neighboring property without the consent of the property owner. This often involves physical structures or improvements, such as fences, driveways, or buildings that extend beyond the property line and intrude into an adjacent parcel of land. Encroachments can lead to disputes between property owners, as they may infringe on the rights of the neighboring property owner and can complicate property lines and land use rights.

Understanding encroachments is important in property management and real estate transactions because they can affect property values and usage rights, and resolving such issues typically requires legal or administrative intervention.