Finding out who owns party fences on each side of terraced house

3 years ago

I have a terraced house with a front yard with low picket fences on both sides and a bricked over surface (previous owner's handiwork). There's nothing in my deeds about who owns the picket fences, but at least one seems to be on my side (end post anchored to my front wall). How do I find out for certain who owns the picket fences?

The reason being that I'd like to replace the fences as part of a plan to create tree/flower beds using brick and wood slatted trellises along both sides. I can attach photos if it would help.

Thanks everyone.

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Comments (4)

Sonia
3 years ago
This is one of those dilemmas that are difficult to answer. Like yours, my 1934 deeds do not show ownership of either fence. I think, but I’m not sure, the plans of modern homes do? I’ve heard that the left hand side whilst looking at the front of your house, belongs to you but I really am not sure about it.......you may find your neighbours will rather like a new fence, especially if you pay for it.
twamleyk
3 years ago
Ours is our right fence, when looking at the front of the house! We just asked neighbours a long the street.
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Original Author
3 years ago
My house is of similar vintage, Sonia. I think that the left-side-belonging-to-you idea is an urban myth, but maybe some streets agree on how ownership is assigned (twamleyk)?

I will indeed be paying for the fences, but want to know how best to respond in case either neighbour objects. Especially since I would like to raise the fence heights from current 0.5m to around 1-1.5m.
twamleyk
3 years ago
Even though our right fence is our responsibility, by custom, the wall on the left side was too low for our liking. We spoke to our neighbours and said we wanted to increase the height by adding fence on top (I can post a pic later). We asked them to pay for half, given it was meant to be their responsibility but we were asking for the change. They agreed. However, we did know them a bit at that point already. And ps our house was built in the 1890s.

Finding out who owns party fences on each side of terraced house

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Sonia

twamleyk

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Finding out who owns party fences on each side of terraced house

Comments (4)

Sonia

twamleyk

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twamleyk

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