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If you are planning to undertake building work that may affect a shared wall, boundary, or structure, you may need to obtain a party wall agreement. Party wall agreements are legal documents that outline the rights and responsibilities of property owners when carrying out building work that may affect a shared property.

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DO YOU NEED A PARTY WALL AGREEMENT IN flitwick?

 In this article, we will provide you with the ultimate guide to understanding party wall agreements.

What is a Party Wall Agreement?

A party wall agreement is a legally binding agreement between property owners who share a wall, boundary, or structure. The agreement outlines the rights and responsibilities of each owner regarding the building work that may affect the shared property. This agreement will typically cover issues such as:
  • The type of work to be carried out
  • The time and manner of the work
  • Any measures to be taken to protect the property during the work
  • How the costs of the work will be divided

Do You Need a Party Wall Agreement?

A party wall agreement is required when a property owner plans to carry out building work that may affect a shared wall, boundary, or structure. This may include:
  • Building a new wall on or adjacent to a shared boundary
  • Cutting into a party wall to install a beam
  • Removing or altering a chimney breast that is shared with a neighboring property
  • Excavating near a neighboring property’s foundations
If you are uncertain whether your building work requires a party wall agreement, it is important to seek professional advice from a surveyor.

Advantages of a Party Wall Agreement

Obtaining a party wall agreement can provide a range of benefits for property owners, including:
  • Clearly outlining the rights and responsibilities of each party
  • Minimizing the risk of disputes between property owners
  • Ensuring that the building work is carried out in a safe and legal manner
  • Protecting the value of the property

The Party Wall Notice

Before undertaking any building work, you must serve a party wall notice to your neighboring property owners. This notice should provide details of the proposed building work and give the neighbors the opportunity to consent to the work or request a party wall agreement. If the neighbors consent to the work, a party wall agreement may not be required. However, if the neighbors request a party wall agreement, you will need to appoint a surveyor to prepare and serve the agreement.

Conclusion

Obtaining a party wall agreement is a crucial step in carrying out building work that may affect a shared property. It is important to understand whether you need a party wall agreement and how to obtain one before starting any building work. At Faulkners, we provide expert guidance and support for property owners who are seeking party wall agreements. Contact us today to learn more about our services.