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What is the Difference Between a Boundary Wall and a Compound Wall?

Published in Property Definitions 3 mins read

The core difference between a boundary wall and a compound wall, according to the provided reference, lies in whether the wall encloses an area or forms a closed figure.

Based on the reference provided on 11-Apr-2017, "Compound wall and boundary wall are not the same thing." Here's the distinction:

  • A wall is referred to as a compound wall if it is enclosed or forms a closed figure as in our house (neglecting the gate).
  • On the other hand, a wall which doesn't form a closed figure or is not enclosed is referred to as a boundary wall.

Key Differences Summarized

The primary distinction centers on the structural configuration relative to the property it borders.

Compound Wall

A compound wall effectively creates a compound by enclosing a specific area. Think of the walls that surround a residential plot on all sides, forming a perimeter.

  • Forms a closed figure.
  • Encloses an area completely.
  • Commonly seen around houses, factories, schools, or any property requiring a fully enclosed space.

Boundary Wall

A boundary wall, in contrast, marks a boundary but does not necessarily complete a full enclosure.

  • Does not form a closed figure.
  • Not enclosed in the sense of surrounding an entire property.
  • May run along just one side of a property, perhaps separating it from a road, a public area, or another adjacent property without completing the perimeter of the first property.

Comparison Table

To further clarify the distinction based on the reference:

Feature Compound Wall Boundary Wall
Shape/Structure Forms a closed figure Does not form a closed figure
Enclosure Enclosed; surrounds an area completely Not enclosed; does not complete a perimeter
Reference Quote "A wall is referred to as a compound wall if it is enclosed or forms a closed figure as in our house (neglecting the gate)" "a wall which doesn't forms a closed figure or not enclosed is referred to as a boundary wall"

Practical Examples

  • The four walls plus a gate surrounding your garden constitute a compound wall.
  • A single wall built along the edge of your property to delineate where your land ends and the public sidewalk begins, without continuing around the other sides, is a boundary wall.

Understanding this difference, rooted in the concept of enclosure and forming a closed shape, is key when discussing property definitions and construction.

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