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.
