Fire separation wall

[Henryc]

We're FTB of a 19th century property in London and have recently had our offer accepted. Survey had revealed some concerns that we're not sure whether to renegotiate on.

- no fire separation in the party wall with our neighbour. The survey clearly stated that this must be addressed and frankly surprised it has been mortgage approved already. EA stated that firewalls between houses is something they've never heard of in their 15 years exp and added that this is not something the sellers would renegotiate on as it is a "want" unless it has also been seen by a specialist. Is this true that firewalls between houses aren't a thing (in SW London/ Victorian properties)? And is a quote also from a builder enough to add to grounds for negotiation? We're also unsure whether we need to involve a party wall surveyor depending on whether we install a firewall or simply frame the wall and add a plasterboard. What would the costs usually be like?

Understand there's multiple questions in one but any feedback/ opinion would be much appreciated!

 

[jamest]

My understanding is that building regulations require all new builds (and new divisions of existing buildings) to 'fire separate' the individual dwellings, so the party walls including the attic parts, need to meet current standards as specified in the regs. However, older houses don't require retrospective upgrading by law. The mortgage lender could make it a condition of the mortgage that the walls be brought up to regulation standards, but in your case they haven't, so no worries there. If I were the vendor, I would be inclined not to negotiate since there is no legal requirement or lender requirement that you upgrade or install any fire walls.

It was common in the olden days (pre-war) for whole terraces to be constructed such that every house in the row shared the same attic space - i.e., no attic party walls, fire resistant or not. So I guess a fire at one end of the terrace could spread along the roof right through to the other end of the terrace.

Disclaimer: Any statements I might make are based on my (admittedly cursory) reading of the current building regs and may be incorrect in part or in total.

 

[malcolm]

It'll be the roofspace they are complaining about. The roof space between houses was often left open which is not great for fire. These days they tend to get bricked up for security.

 

[a twig]

Sounds like an overzealous surveyor applying modern standards to an old building, yes of course it would be a “good thing” to have fire separation and it is easily achieved with a decent thickness of fire board and fire rated expanding foam, or as Malcom says bricking up roof spaces.

Personally I’d say if you like the house, buy it and if the knowledge is making you nervous once you have moved in put up a stud wall with a good thickness of fire rated plasterboard (which is eminently DIYable)