Understanding the Different Types of Party Walls and Their Characteristics
As a property owner, it’s important to have a good understanding of party walls, which are walls shared by two or more properties. They’re often found in semi-detached and terraced houses and can sometimes lead to disputes between neighbours. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of party walls and their characteristics to help you understand their importance and potential complications.
Types of Party Walls
There are three main types of party walls:
- Wall on the Boundary This type of party wall is situated exactly on the boundary line between two properties. It’s commonly referred to as a ‘party fence wall’. Homeowners are allowed to carry out minor repairs and decorations on their side of the wall without serving notice, but any major work requires an agreement under the Party Wall Act.
- Wall astride the Boundary This type of wall is partly on one owner’s property and partly on their neighbour’s. Both parties share ownership and responsibility for the wall, and any work carried out on it requires a Party Wall Agreement.
- Building on the Boundary This type of party wall is not a physical wall, but a building built on the boundary between two properties. This includes garden walls, garages, and extensions. Both property owners share the responsibility for maintaining and repairing the structure and any work requires a Party Wall Agreement.
Characteristics of Party Walls
There are some common characteristics that party walls share, including:
- Shared Ownership Both property owners have a shared interest and responsibility for the party wall.
- Right to Access Both parties have the right to access the party wall to carry out necessary maintenance and repairs.
- Need for Agreement Any work that affects the party wall requires a Party Wall Agreement. This includes structural changes, building new foundations, and even installing shelves or hangings.
- Dispute Resolution If disputes arise regarding the party wall or any work carried out on it, it can be resolved through the Party Wall Act.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of party walls and their characteristics is essential for any homeowner. Party walls are an important aspect of shared ownership, and any work carried out on them requires an agreement under the Party Wall Act. If you’re planning to carry out work on a party wall, it’s recommended to consult with a professional party wall surveyor to ensure that everything is done legally and correctly. At Faulkner Surveyors, we provide a comprehensive range of party wall services to help you navigate any potential complications. Contact us today at faulknersurveyors.co.uk to learn more.