Is this a party wall?

[BoganLogan]

Hello, my name is Peter. I live in a terraced house and the wall of my kitchen borders my neighbour's property. I have lived here for 15 years and have always believed the wall to be entirely my property. I have repaired the wall myself and my neighbours have always asked permission before attaching anything to the wall. A new neighbour has moved in who says that the wall is a party wall. If I have treated this wall as mine for the past 15 years, does that mean that it actually is mine? I am confused. It is difficult to determine if the wall straddles the boundary or not because the buildings are very old. I would appreciate any advice.

[tonyshouse]

In terms of the party wall act I think it will be a party wall, in legal terms it sounds like it is yours and so permission needed to attach to it. 

[Temp]

13 hours ago, BoganLogan said:

 It is difficult to determine if the wall straddles the boundary or not because the buildings are very old. I would appreciate any advice.

 

Thats the only way I know to be certain.

 

Does the kitchen project out the back like an extension? You may need to see if it lines up with the wall inside or if there is a stagger.  

[BoganLogan]

Yes, the kitchen does project like an extension. If I measure the internal walls, the kitchen wall is slightly more towards my neighbor's side. The houses are wonky,, due to age though.

I suppose I wondered that if the wall has always been considered to belong to me by me and my neighbours, does it then belong to me. It has been like this for the 15 years I have lived here. I'm not sure who to ask this.

[markc]

If either of you were to knock down the wall and it would affect the other person, then yes its a party wall.