When it comes to building or renovating a property that is attached or adjacent to your neighbor`s property, it is important to consider the legal aspect of it in order to avoid any potential disputes. This is where a Party Wall Agreement comes in handy.

A Party Wall Agreement is a legal document that is necessary when you intend to carry out any work on a shared wall, boundary wall or party fence wall. It helps to formalize the agreement between the two parties and outlines the procedures to be followed during the construction or renovation process.

One factor that plays a crucial role in the Party Wall Agreement is the distance between your property and your neighbor`s property. This distance is important because it determines the type of notice that you need to serve to your neighbor before starting any work, and the type of consent that you require from them.

The distance is usually determined by the thickness of the wall that separates the properties. If the wall is less than 100mm thick, then it is considered a party wall. If it is between 100mm to 150mm thick, then it is known as a party structure. And if it is over 150mm thick, then it is considered a boundary wall.

For party walls and party structures, you must serve a written notice to your neighbor at least two months before starting any work. The notice must include details about the proposed work, the start date, and the estimated duration.

If the wall is a boundary wall, then you do not need to serve a Party Wall Agreement notice. However, it is important to ensure that you do not cause any damage to your neighbor`s property during the construction process.

It is important to note that the distance between the properties is not the only factor that determines the type of notice that you need to serve. Other factors such as the type of work being carried out, the location of the wall and the nature of the properties involved should also be taken into consideration.

In conclusion, if you are planning to carry out any construction work on a shared wall, boundary wall or party fence wall, it is important to consider the legal aspect of it by obtaining a Party Wall Agreement. Knowing the distance between the properties is just a small part of the process, but it can have a significant impact on the type of notice that needs to be served. By following the proper procedures, you can avoid disputes with your neighbors and ensure that the construction process runs smoothly.