I am planning to buy a house with a shared driveway what implications could that have for me?
It is increasingly the case on new open plan developments that plots have shared driveways. The main issue to consider is that each property with a shared access will be bound by the existence of various covenants preventing the obstruction of the shared access.
The shared driveway will be private and not form part of the public highway which means those occupiers who have the right to use it will, in turn, have an obligation to contribute an equal percentage of the cost of maintaining and repairing the shared driveway.
Usually, a shared driveway does not cause unnecessary problems. However, there is always the risk that one of your neighbours will prove unreasonable, in which case your only remedy will be through the developer who will have the right to enforce the covenants.
* Emyr Pierce is Managing Partner of Emyr Pierce Solicitors in Rhiwbina, Cardiff, Western Mail Conveyancer of the Year, specialising in Domestic and Commercial Property. Contact www.emyrpierce.co.uk or email law@emyrpierce.co.uk