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A Party Wall Agreement sets out the rights and responsibilities between neighbors who share a common wall or boundary in Hong Kong properties. It's a legal document that spells out how owners can use, maintain, and modify shared walls, especially during construction or renovation work.

Under Hong Kong's Buildings Ordinance, this agreement helps prevent disputes by clearly stating each party's obligations for repairs, access rights, and cost-sharing arrangements. It's particularly important in dense urban areas where buildings often share structural elements, and you'll need one before starting any work that affects a shared wall or structure.

You need a Party Wall Agreement before starting any construction or renovation work that affects shared walls in Hong Kong properties. This includes installing beams into party walls, cutting into shared structures, rebuilding boundary walls, or excavating near neighboring foundations.

Get this agreement in place early when planning major renovations, building extensions, or structural modifications. Under Hong Kong law, you must give your neighbor at least two months' notice before work begins. Common triggers include converting floors, adding air conditioning units through shared walls, or any changes that could affect the structural integrity of adjoining properties.

• Basic Access Agreement: Covers standard entry rights and maintenance responsibilities for shared walls, common in residential settings
• Construction Modification Agreement: Details structural changes, building works, and safety requirements when renovating
• Comprehensive Party Wall Agreement: Combines access rights, construction terms, and dispute resolution mechanisms for complex projects
• Limited Works Agreement: Focused on minor modifications like installing air conditioning units or structural fixtures
• Line of Junction Agreement: Specifically addresses new boundary walls and fences between properties

• Property Owners: Both adjoining owners who share the party wall must agree to and sign the agreement, outlining their rights and responsibilities
• Authorized Persons: Licensed architects, engineers, or surveyors who prepare technical specifications and certify compliance with building codes
• Building Contractors: Execute the construction work according to the agreement's terms and specifications
• Property Lawyers: Draft and review agreements to ensure legal compliance and protect clients' interests
• Buildings Department: Reviews and approves plans involving party walls under the Buildings Ordinance

• Property Details: Gather exact addresses, lot numbers, and registered ownership documents for both properties
• Structural Plans: Obtain detailed drawings showing the party wall location, proposed works, and any modifications
• Project Scope: Document specific construction activities, timeline, and potential impact on shared structures
• Technical Reports: Collect surveys, structural assessments, and any relevant Buildings Department approvals
• Contact Information: Include full details of all parties, including owners, contractors, and authorized persons
• Insurance Coverage: Confirm adequate construction insurance and liability protection for all parties

• Party Identification: Full legal names and addresses of all property owners sharing the wall
• Property Description: Detailed specification of the party wall location, dimensions, and affected structures
• Work Specifications: Precise description of permitted construction activities and modifications
• Access Rights: Terms for entering neighboring property to conduct works or maintenance
• Cost Allocation: Clear breakdown of expenses sharing between parties
• Dispute Resolution: Procedure for handling disagreements under Hong Kong law
• Liability Provisions: Responsibilities for damage and required insurance coverage

A Party Wall Agreement differs significantly from an Access Agreement in Hong Kong's property law context. While both deal with property rights, their scope and application serve distinct purposes.

• Primary Purpose: Party Wall Agreements specifically govern shared walls and structures between properties, while an Access Agreement focuses on entry rights to a property for specific purposes
• Duration: Party Wall Agreements typically remain binding through property ownership changes, whereas Access Agreements often have fixed terms or specific event-related durations
• Legal Requirements: Party Wall Agreements must comply with the Buildings Ordinance and require technical specifications, while Access Agreements need only basic property law compliance
• Scope of Rights: Party Wall Agreements cover construction, maintenance, and structural modifications, while Access Agreements mainly address entry permissions and conditions