Who Owns a Party Wall? If you are planning work that will affect a shared wall
between you and your neighbour, then the Party Wall Act is crucial - whether it
is a semi-detached house, flat or terraced property. If you live in any of these,
it is likely you share a wall with a neighbouring building and will need an
agreement regarding the Party Wall prior to any work.
This month’s blog at T J Goodwin & Associates looks
at Party Wall ownership. For advice and information, call us in Norfolk on 01263 587 047 .
What Is a Party Wall? A Party Wall is a wall that separates adjoining homes.
Owners on either side have a legal interest. As they jointly occupy two or more
people’s property, a Party Wall can often become a source of dispute over
property maintenance between neighbours.
The Party Wall Act defines specifically what a party wall
is.
The Party Wall Act 1996 The Party Wall Act
is legislation in England and Wales design to pre-empt construction-related
disagreements between neighbours. The Act prevents building work by one
neighbour that can undermine the structural integrity of shared walls or
neighbouring properties.
It is designed to avoid and resolve potential disputed with
neighbours prior to building work.
Is It Legal to Alter a Party Wall? If you live in a property with a Party Wall and would like
to make significant changes to it, you will first have to establish who the adjoining
owner of it are. It is a statutory requirement that they are notified.
An adjoining owner is someone who owns the neighbouring
property or has occupied it for more than a year tenancy. This includes the
freeholder.
Party Wall Advice At T J Goodwin & Associates, we can offer you party wall
advice. We can guide you through the complexities of the Act and act as both
Party Wall surveyors for the building owner or the adjoining owner, depending
on your circumstances.
Contact Us For more information about Party Wall advice, don’t hesitate
to contact T J Goodwin & Associates in Norfolk. Call us today on 01263 587 047 or 07768
733 150 . Alternatively, you can fill out our online contact form and will
be in touch.
You can find us here .