What is a Party Fence Wall?
A party fence wall, or party wall, or shared wall, is a wall separating two properties. It is owned jointly by the owners of the adjoining properties. It is usually built on the boundary between the two properties, meaning that it is used as a party structural wall.
The main feature of a party fence wall is that it is used, enjoyed, and maintained by both adjoining property owners. It does not matter if the wall is a wall, a fence, or even a garden wall, just as long it is separation of the two properties.
In the United Kingdom, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 considers party fence walls and provides legislative provisions and guidelines. They also have mutual maintenance liabilities, meaning both owners of a party wall have maintenance liability for the common party fence wall. In other words, joint ownership extends to maintenance of the party wall, meaning that costs for repair to the party wall should generally be shared with the adjoining owners in a fair and reasonable proportion.
Party fence walls also relate to construction or alteration works, because if either owner wishes to build/alter work that could affect the party fence wall, such as building an extension or altering the party fence wall, they are required to serve a Party Wall Notice on the adjoining owner so that they are made aware of the work and seek their consent – and both parties can consider the potential effects of the proposed work on the party wall.
In conclusion, a party fence wall is a wall structure or boundary structure shared by two adjoining properties, has shared maintenance obligations and while occupiers can undertake works to the wall, there are legal obligations when carrying out construction or alteration works which may affect, or may be affected by the party fence wall.
Please get in touch with us for a free consultation. Our well-versed and professional staff will determine whether the suggested work is covered by the Party Wall Act based on your drawings, which you can share with us via email or call. We offer you our best, customised, and risk-free advice. We are also pleased to provide our professional services to Greater London and the surrounding areas.
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📍 London CR7 7RQ
📞 0203 576 0786 / 0777 3360033
📧 info@partywallssurveyors.co.uk
