If you’re planning to undertake construction work on a shared boundary with your neighbour, you might need a party wall agreement.
It’s a legal document that outlines the responsibilities and rights of both parties involved in the construction process.
Building a property near your boundary line can be a great way to make the most of your available land while maintaining some privacy from your neighbors. However, if you’re considering this option, you might wonder whether the Party Wall Act applies to your situation.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about building near, but not on, your boundary line and how it affects the Party Wall Act. If you’re based in Royal Tunbridge Wells and need expert advice on this topic, the team at Faulkners is always here to help.
For all RIC party wall matters covering London, Kent, Canterbury, Surrey, Faversham, Margate, Dover, Chislehurst, Tonbridge and the hole of the South East.
If you are looking at removal of a chimney breast, side extension or loft conversion you will need a schedules of condition and we pride ourselves on offering a professional service from party wall surveys to party wall notice and then party wall award to give you peace of mind.
Before we dive into the specifics of building near your boundary line, let’s first take a closer look at what the Party Wall Act is and how it affects property owners in the UK.
The Party Wall Act is a piece of legislation that regulates building works that involve shared walls or structures between two or more properties. The act aims to provide a framework for resolving disputes between neighbours in Royal Tunbridge Wells that may arise as a result of building works.
If your building works are covered by the Party Wall Act, you’ll need to serve a notice to your neighbour before you start work. This notice should include details of the proposed works and how they may affect your neighbour’s property. Your neighbour then has the right to either give their consent or dissent to the works.
Does the Party Wall Act apply to building near boundary lines?
The Party Wall Act only applies to building works that involve shared structures between two or more properties. Therefore, if you’re planning to build near your boundary line, but not on it, the act may not apply to your situation.
However, there are a few important factors to consider. For example, if your building works in Royal Tunbridge Wells will involve digging foundations near the boundary line, this may affect your neighbour’s property. In this case, it’s a good idea to have a surveyor assess the situation and advise you on any necessary measures you need to take to protect your neighbour’s property.
Advantages of building near the boundary line
Building near your boundary line can offer several advantages. Some of these include:
Maximizing your available land: By building near the boundary line, you can make the most of the space you have available on your property.
Increased privacy: Building near the boundary line can provide a degree of privacy from your neighbors.
More natural light: Building near the boundary line can allow more natural light to enter your property, which can be especially beneficial for garden rooms or conservatories.
Conclusion
In summary, if you’re planning to build near your boundary line, but not on it, the Party Wall Act may not apply to your situation. However, it’s important to consider any potential impact your building works may have on your neighbor’s property and to take appropriate measures to protect their interests.
At Faulkners, we have extensive experience in providing expert advice on building works and the Party Wall Act. If you’re based in Royal Tunbridge Wells and need guidance on this topic, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team today.
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