A wall built entirely on your land is not a party wall. A party wall is a shared wall between two buildings or properties. The key distinction lies in ownership and location. If a wall is constructed solely on one property's land, it is not considered a party wall, even if it's adjacent to another building.
Understanding Party Walls
- Shared Ownership/Responsibility: Party walls are jointly owned and maintained by the adjacent property owners. This shared responsibility is a defining characteristic.
- Boundary Location: A true party wall is typically built on or very near the boundary line between two properties. It's a shared structure.
- Single-Property Construction: A wall built entirely on one property's land, regardless of its proximity to a neighboring building, is not a party wall. This is explicitly stated in one of the provided references: "A wall built entirely on your land is not a party wall."
Examples of Walls That Are Not Party Walls
- A freestanding wall entirely on one property.
- An interior wall within a single building.
- A fence separating properties (though this might have related legal implications).
Legal Implications
The distinction between a party wall and a wall solely on one property has significant legal implications. Disputes regarding repairs, maintenance, and alterations are governed differently depending on whether a wall is classified as a party wall or not.
