Blog>Questions>How close to the boundary can I build a house?
Last updated: 31 May 2023
How close to the boundary can I build a house?
Planning on building near to your boundary? Before you go ahead and start works, take a second to check how close you can build. The last thing you want is for the work you carry out to result in disputes after you’ve already started! How close can I build to my neighbour’s house? Planning on
Planning on building near to your boundary? Before you go ahead and start works, take a second to check how close you can build. The last thing you want is for the work you carry out to result in disputes after you’ve already started!
How close can I build to my neighbour’s house?
Planning on building close to a neighbour’s house or shared boundary? You’ll usually need to comply with the Party Wall Act if:
You’re hoping to dig within 3m of a party wall or fence to a level below its foundations.
You’re hoping to dig foundations within 6m of your neighbour’s building to a level below a 45° line from the base of its foundations.
The Party Wall Act basically requires you to ask your neighbours for permission to build close to their property in order to avoid disputes. It’s also there to ensure you don’t do anything that will affect the structural integrity of shared walls or neighbouring properties.
If your neighbours are happy to sign a Party Wall agreement, you can build all the way up to a shared boundary. This will likely be the best-case scenario, as it will allow you to get the most space possible.
If they object, you can take legal action. However, this can be costly and time-consuming. Alternatively, you can shift the extension far back enough from the boundary so that you no longer need to comply with the Party Wall Act.
How close to my boundary can I build an extension?
Not all of your boundaries will necessarily adjoin neighbouring properties. So, how close can you build to your boundary if neighbours aren’t an issue?
Well, if your garden fence or wall separates you from the street, you’ll usually be able to build up to your boundary if it’s flush with the exterior wall of the existing house. If there are other homes in your area with extensions like this, you’ll likely be able to do so without planning permission, as it will fall under your permitted development rights. However, your extension will need to meet other criteria too, and we’d also recommend checking with your local planning authority first, just in case!
If you’re hoping to use your permitted development rights, a professional architect can help you design an extension that ticks all the necessary boxes.
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