A party boundary is essentially the dividing line between two properties, often marked by a shared wall, fence, or structure. It might seem like a small technical detail, but understanding where your party boundary lies is actually very important.
Why? Because it determines who has responsibility for the wall or boundary and what rights each property owner has. If you’re planning to carry out building work—like a loft conversion, extension, or even repairs—knowing exactly where that line falls can help you avoid disputes with your neighbour and stay on the right side of the law.
At Faulkner Surveyors, we often see homeowners caught off guard by incorrect assumptions about their boundaries. A clear understanding now can save you a lot of time, money, and stress later.
Do You Even Know Where Your Land Begins? Find Out the Truth About Party Walls Boundaries
You may think that fences or garden walls are correct boundary markers — but in fact many of them aren’t. Borders can change over time, fences can be taken down and assumptions can supplant facts.
So, are you all that sure where your property ends and your neighbour’s starts?
Here’s where such party wall boundaries come into play. These boundaries often include shared structures and need to be done right ”legally speaking. Can I put trellis on my Neighbours garage wall?
Knowing the precise legal boundaries of your property is something a professional boundary survey can help you determine.
At Faulkner Surveyors, we help them get clarity by looking at deeds, site plans and physical markers — so you know what actually belongs to you and what doesn’t.
Does an Obscure Boundary Leave You at Risk of a Costly Dispute with Your Neighbours?
Unfortunately, yes. One of the most frequent complaints between neighbours is searching for an argument over where a boundary line is located.
Even something as simple as erecting a shed, putting up a fence, or making renovations can cause serious friction – and possibly legal action – if it isn’t done responsibly. What takes place in a party wall conflict? – Faulkners Surveyors.
Nodal explains that these problems are often revealed after the work is done, which can make them expensive and difficult to rectify.
We help avoid that kind of scenario at Faulkner Surveyors. We can help make clear the boundary of all that you experience, and provide counsel dispassionately, which helps you avoid a fight that could ultimately cost far more than you know.
Planning an Extension or Fence? Have You Checked Your Party Boundary First?
Before you dig footings or mark out your new fence posts, stop and ask: have you confirmed where your boundary actually lies?
Even if your plans seem straightforward, the law requires that you notify neighbours if your building work affects a party wall or structure shared between two properties.
Mistakes at this stage can delay your project or even result in having to undo completed work.Faulkner Surveyors offer professional guidance to ensure your plans respect legal boundaries, keep you in compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, and help maintain a good relationship with your neighbours along the way.
Who Owns the Wall Between Two Homes—You, Your Neighbour, or Both?
This is a question we get asked all the time—and the answer isn’t always simple.
In many cases, a party wall is owned jointly by the two properties it separates. That means neither party can make changes to it without following the correct legal process and getting consent where required. See Here Types of Party Walls: Characteristics and Differences
However, some walls may sit entirely within one property’s land, meaning ownership belongs to that property owner alone.
If you’re unsure who owns the wall—or what rights you and your neighbour have—our team at Faulkner Surveyors can carry out a full assessment and provide a clear, professional opinion. It’s always better to know before you act.
Can a Party Boundary Be Moved, Disputed, or Changed Over Time?
Yes, and that’s exactly why boundaries can become such a complicated topic.
Over time, physical markers like fences, hedges, or walls can shift—either naturally or through previous owners’ changes. Land registry plans can also be vague or open to interpretation. Can my Neighbour attach a fence to my wall?
In some cases, long-term use of a piece of land by a neighbour can even create legal rights over it.
So yes, boundaries can be disputed or challenged—and no, they’re not always fixed in stone.
At Faulkner Surveyors, we’re trained to deal with these grey areas. If there’s a disagreement about where the boundary lies, we investigate the evidence, review documents, and act as neutral experts to help resolve the issue fairly.
What if my neighbour builds on the party boundary?
If your neighbour builds over the boundary party wall without the correct permissions it can be a substantial trespass against your land.
It could be that part of an extension crosses over on to your land, a foundation spreads out too far, or something as basic as attaching a structure to your wall without your permission. Can you start work without an agreement?
In addition to the frustration factor, this can have actual legal implications and impact the value or use of your property.
When this dispute arises, Faulkner Surveyors are able to advise on the problem, confirm the correct boundary in law, and provide advice regarding how to move forward.
Whether that means beginning a formal dispute process, or finding a fair resolution, we’ll lead you through it calmly and professionally.
Do You Need a Surveyor to Confirm Your Party Wall Boundary—and How Can Faulkner Help?
If you have any doubts about where your party wall boundary lies, hiring a qualified surveyor is one of the smartest steps you can take.
Faulkner Surveyors don’t just rely on guesswork or vague site plans. We use historical deeds, Land Registry records, physical inspections, and modern measuring tools to determine exactly where your legal boundary sits. We can also represent you in discussions or disputes, and issue official documentation if required.
Our goal is to give you peace of mind and prevent avoidable issues—whether you’re planning a project or dealing with a neighbour’s unexpected changes.
How Clear Boundary Lines Can Save You from Legal Stress and Neighbour Disputes
And that might sound like it’s no big deal in the scheme of things today, but unclear boundary lines are one of the single biggest sources of property stress, and once the dispute really gets rolling, it can take on a life of its own.
All it takes is a dispute over a fence in the wrong place, or an overhanging eave, or a wall of whose property it is a part, and even the most peaceable of neighbours will be at each other’s throats.
A small miscommunication can develop into real grievances, legal costs and lasting animosities.Well you can avoid all of that with a professional boundary survey by Faulkner Surveyors. We mark your boundary with confidence, certainty and clarity, and the opportunity to avoid issues before they even begin.
For Further Information Please Call Us Today 03300100262