Bounding description meaning

A bounding description is the narrative in a deed or transfer that defines a property by describing its actual boundaries and abuttals (for example, walls, hedges, roads, watercourses or adjoining owners), rather than relying only on a plan or stated area. It is a descriptive term used in conveyancing and land registration practice, not generally defined by legislation or case law, and is recognised across England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. Typical features include references to physical features, measurements (metes and bounds) and neighbouring properties. Bounding descriptions are common in older title deeds (Sasine/Registry of Deeds) and remain important when preparing first registration applications, reconciling deed and plan discrepancies, or resolving boundary disputes. In England and Wales and Northern Ireland, Land Registry title plans show general boundaries; a clear bounding description in the deeds may assist interpretation or support a determined/exact boundary application. In Ireland, PRAI file plans are generally non‑conclusive unless fixed boundaries are established; historic Registry of Deeds narratives are often relied on. In Scotland, Sasine titles routinely contain bounding descriptions of the marches; under the Land Register the cadastral map is informed by, and interpreted with, the deed wording. The clarity, date and permanence of the referenced...