Which option: Party Wall or not?

[Yellowmellow2]

I live in a terraced house with a kitchen extension out the back. My neighbours are going to also extend out the back of their house, with the same sized footprint as mine. Their architect has proposed two options. One of them is to build up against the exterior of my property, ie use my wall. They would then pay me for half the cost of my wall and a token gesture for the space they gain. Or, they build their own wall, leaving a gap between the two extensions.

Any advice? I would think leave a gap would be better so as to reduce noise between the properties?

I think I’d want a gap due the noise.

If there's a gap would it be big enough to access for maintenance if needed?

Go for a shared party wall. I have one with my neighbour. I don't hear a peep from them. It's easy to maintain as no debris gets down the middle plus you can have a slightly larger extension by leaving no gaps.

For maintenance, I'd let them build on the party wall. Won't make much difference to noise levels if you're already in a terraced house.

Build on your wall, but require soundproofing? Best solution all round

Definitely no gap and they use their extra space to build in soundproofing.

Does them paying half for your wall compromise your ownership in any way?

If you go for a gap, make sure it is large enough to be able to stand a ladder against either wall etc. If that's not possible go party wall but make sure you get proper renumeration for the space they gain and cost of wall.

You might need to check with your mortgage company?

we literally just had this happen.

it is our neighbours and they used a party wall surveyor who set a price to use the wall (which we owned) they baulked at the price and their builders convinced them they could do it cheaper with a separate wall.
the gap is not big enough it doesn't look great tbh and the worry is that any maintenance, leaks, damp etc that might happen in the gap can't be accessed.

there is a gutter bit over the gap to hopefully prevent this.

I would get a party wall surveyor -which they should pay for.

That’s just so useful everyone. Thank you! There is a gap on the other side, between my extension and the other neighbour and it’s very narrow. Hadn’t thought about the need for access.

Not sure what order to do it in. It isn’t a party wall at the moment but has the potential to be if I let them use my wall, so would that qualify for asking them to pay for a surveyor to look at it further? Could I then say no, even after they’ve paid for the surveyor?

You could def still say no. I am surprised the architect didn't suggest a party wall surveyor.

They should come look at it-and if you agree they will act for both of you. They will make a recommendation based on your specific criteria then based on what they say you can make an informed decision.

And also-much better if info comes from professional versus you-neighbourly harmony very valuable!!

Good luck.

@mumsiedarlingrevolta

You could def still say no. I am surprised the architect didn't suggest a party wall surveyor.

They should come look at it-and if you agree they will act for both of you. They will make a recommendation based on your specific criteria then based on what they say you can make an informed decision.

And also-much better if info comes from professional versus you-neighbourly harmony very valuable!!

Good luck.

Absolutely! Useful advice. Thank you.