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How close can I build to my Neighbours side boundary UK?

Author

Daniel Moore

Published Jan 08, 2026

Single story extensions to the side of your property to be no more than four meters in height and no wider than half the original size of the property. For those building a double extension on their property, you cannot go closer than seven meters to the boundary.

Can you build right up to your boundary line?

Yes. The Party Wall Act permits you to build up to or astride the line of junction/boundary with your neighbour, but the correct notices must be served and the correct process followed.

How close can I build to my Neighbours boundary wall?

In most areas, fences can be installed between 2-8 inches from the boundary line. However, some areas may allow you to build right up to the property line.

Can my Neighbour build on the boundary line UK?

The short answer is “yes, subject to serving a valid notice and following the processes set out in The Party Wall Act. The party wall act only applies to “structures” (ie: a wall with a foundation), it does not apply to timber fences or other screens.

Can my Neighbour build an extension up to my boundary?

If you wish to build a wall astride the boundary, you are required to obtain the adjoining owner's consent. The adjoining owner has 14 days to give written consent.

17 related questions found

How close to my property line can my neighbor build?

The building distance limit depends on the structure you intend on building. It usually ranges between five to 15 feet. It is important to communicate property boundaries with your neighbor before beginning any permanent or semi-permanent projects, due to the risk of township or county penalties.

How close to a property line can I build?

The exact amount a building needs to be set back from the property line will vary from one location to another. However, the required setback on the side is typically between 5 – 10 feet, while the front and back require around 10 – 20 feet at a minimum.

How close can you excavate next to a building?

Excavate within 6 metres of a neighbouring owner's building or structure where that work will cut a line drawn downwards at 45 degrees from the bottom of the neighbour's foundations. You must tell your neighbour on the notice whether you propose to strengthen or safeguard the foundations of their building or structure.

How close to the property line can I build my fence?

Typically, fences are installed anywhere from 2 to 8 inches from a property line in most areas. Some areas might allow to go right up to a property line, especially if you live in an urban row house where every inch makes a difference!

How close can I build a shed to my Neighbours boundary?

In some areas, you are allowed to build as close as four feet away from your property line. In other places, your LPA may ask you to keep your shed 10-15 feet away from your fence. But generally, you need to maintain at least 5 feet between the further edge of your shed and the fence.

What is the minimum gap between houses?

There is no house in that plot, its just a piece of land owned by some person. Now that person is objecting to our plan of extending the walls of our house on the basis of what he calls “fire-gap“ . As per him, there has to be a minimum of 10 feet separation between our house and the boundary wall.

How close to my boundary can I build a single storey extension UK?

Single story extensions that are built to the side of your property will have a maximum height of four metres and be no wider than half the width of the property. If you are building a double extension, you will not be able to go any closer than 7m to the boundary line.

What is the 7 year boundary rule?

Some believe that there is a 7-year limit on adverse possession, meaning that a squatter can take ownership of land after they have been using that land without the owner's permission for a certain amount of time.

Can you building within 1m of boundary?

In order to meet Building Regulations you will need to place the building at least 1m away from any boundary. Any side of the building within 1m of a boundary will need to be suitably treated so it is substantially non-combustible.

How close to boundary can I build a two storey extension?

The land used for the double-storey extension should not be within seven meters of any land boundary or extend beyond the rear wall of the original building by more than three meters.

How close can a shed be to a fence UK?

To ensure you have enough space to treat the outer wall of your shed, we recommend leaving at least 18 inches (approx. 46 centimetres) between the shed and the fence.

Can I build a fence inside my boundary?

If you want to put up a fence that separates your property from your neighbour's (a boundary fence), you normally need to build it on the boundary. You also need your neighbour's agreement, and you can expect to share the cost with them.

Can I put a fence on my property line UK?

As long as it's not higher than 2m, your neighbour is free to put up a fence on their property. If you have an issue with the fence, you should always try to resolve the situation in an informal way. If you can't come to an agreement, you can hire a mediator or a solicitor to help.

Can I build a fence next to my Neighbours fence?

Yes. Yes, you can build next to your neighbour's fence. As long as you're inside your property line you're fine. One consideration: your posts might have to be staggered relative to the fence posts of the existing fence.

How close can I dig to my foundation?

As long as your foundation is structurally secure, you can dig right beside it without compromising its integrity -- until you reach the footing. Potential problems with the dig include trench collapse and the unintended disturbance of utility lines or pipes.

How close can you dig to a party wall?

How close to a party wall can I build? Excavation within three metres of and below the level of a neighbour's foundations is work falling under the Party Wall Act. Deep excavation within 6 metres of a neighbour's foundations may also fall under the Party Wall Act.

How deep are you allowed to dig on your property UK?

In the UK, you can dig 100 mm or less without needing a permit. The Permit to Dig is essentially security insurance that you will not penetrate or disturb the existing ground level.

How close to the property line can I build a shed?

How far should a shed be placed from property lines? You typically can't build a shed within 10 feet of the rear property line and 15 feet from a side property line. There should be sufficient room between your shed and your neighbor's yard.

How close to property line can I build an attached garage?

This depends on your local zoning and building codes, but the garage should be at least 3 feet from the side and rear property line and approximately 30 feet from the front of the property line.

Can my Neighbour attach things to my fence?

The short answer to this question is, of course, “no”. If you own the fence and you have not granted your neighbour permission to do so, they are not allowed to attach or nail things to your fence.