UKMy neighbour is building an extension that blocks my light. What can I do?
You may have a legal right to light if your windows have received uninterrupted daylight for at least 20 years — this is protected under the Prescription Act 1832, not the Law of Property Act 1925 s.62, which does not govern rights to light.
What the Law Says
The Law of Property Act 1925 s. 62 does not address rights to light. Instead, rights to light in England and Wales arise primarily through long use under the Prescription Act 1832 — not the statute cited. Section 62 deals with conveyancing and automatic inclusion of easements on land transfer, but it contains no provision about light.
A right to light is a type of easement — a legal right benefiting your land over your neighbour’s. It is not about views or sunlight generally, but about maintaining a minimum level of natural daylight through defined apertures (e.g., windows).
Under the Prescription Act 1832, a right to light can be acquired if light has passed uninterrupted to your windows for at least 20 years. Once established, it prevents neighbours from building in a way that cuts off more than half the light — i.e., reducing illumination below the '50/50 rule' (the 'Wheeler v JJ Saunders' test), often assessed using the 'ancient lights' method or the 'sky factor' (minimum 0.2% of visible sky).
The Law of Property Act 1925 s. 62 states: 'All rights... appurtenant or belonging to any land... shall... be deemed to be included in any conveyance... unless a contrary intention appears.' However, this section does not create or define rights to light — it only helps preserve existing easements when land is sold.
Statutory TextAll rights... appurtenant or belonging to any land... shall... be deemed to be included in any conveyance... unless a contrary intention appears.
— Law of Property Act 1925, s. 62 — Conveyances to include certain rights
What to Do
Check if your windows have received unobstructed daylight for at least 20 years — keep records (photos, old plans, witness statements).
Instruct a qualified surveyor to carry out a 'right to light' assessment (e.g., using the 'sky factor' or '45-degree rule').
Write formally to your neighbour, raising your concern and requesting design changes or compensation before construction proceeds.
If building has already started or blocked light, seek urgent legal advice — you may apply to court for an injunction to stop or modify works.
Consider negotiating a settlement (e.g., payment or revised plans) to avoid costly litigation.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.