Two attached townhomes share a single wall standing on the boundary line between them. That wall is called a:
Correct Answer
A) Party wall
A party wall is a wall on or along a boundary that is shared by two adjoining properties. Rights to use, maintain and alter it depend on the deeds, any party-wall agreement and state law. A curtain wall is a non-load-bearing exterior wall, a partition divides space within one building, and a retaining wall holds back soil.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option A is correct because a party wall is a wall on or along a boundary that is shared by two adjoining properties. Attached townhomes commonly share such walls. Rights to use, maintain and alter the wall depend on the deeds, any party-wall agreement and applicable law.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: Curtain wall
Option B, a curtain wall, is a non-load-bearing exterior wall hung on a building frame. It is not a shared wall on a property line between two homes.
Option C: Bearing partition
Option C, a bearing partition, is an interior wall that divides space within one building and carries loads. It is not defined by sitting on a boundary between two properties.
Option D: Retaining wall
Option D, a retaining wall, is built to hold back soil. It does not describe a shared wall between attached townhomes.
Two parties, one wall
A party wall has two parties, the owners on either side, sharing one wall on the line between them.
How to use: Use this phrase when a question describes a wall shared by neighboring owners.
Exam Tip
Look for the word shared or the phrase boundary line; those point to a party wall. Curtain, partition and retaining walls are defined by other functions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Confusing a party wall with a curtain wall
- -Assuming any interior partition is a party wall
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests wall-type vocabulary. A single wall on the boundary line shared by two adjoining properties is a party wall. The other options describe walls defined by different functions: exterior cladding, interior division or holding back soil.
Background Knowledge
Party walls are common in townhomes, row houses and some commercial buildings. Because two owners share the wall, maintenance and alteration rights are often addressed in deeds, agreements or governing documents. Appraisers note shared walls because they affect property type and comparability.
Real-World Application
An appraiser values an end-unit townhome that shares one party wall with its neighbor. She selects comparables that are also end units with one shared wall rather than interior units with two.
More Property Description Questions
A local zoning ordinance allows these maximum densities: R-1, 4 units per acre; R-2, 8 units per acre; R-4, 20 units per acre; PUD (with approval), 12 units per acre. Which category allows the highest density?
What design advantage is commonly associated with post-and-beam construction?
A hypothetical local ordinance permits either a single-family house or duplex on the site. The existing single-family house complies with all current rules. Which statement is supported?
A zoning variance allowing a reduced side setback is granted for a parcel. After the parcel is sold, who generally holds the benefit of the variance, subject to its conditions?
Under ANSI Z765-2021 as applied by Fannie Mae, a staircase runs from the second floor down to the first floor. Its area is counted as part of:
Under ANSI Z765-2021, as Fannie Mae requires for a detached house, where are exterior dimensions taken on a brick-veneer wall?
A building's HVAC system would be classified as which type of building component?
A home on a large tract is valued at $620,000 including the land it needs. The remaining excess land could be sold separately and contributes a net $95,000 after separation costs. What is the total indicated value?
A covered sale concerns a residence built in 1965. Which hazard is the subject of the federal pre 1978 housing disclosure rule, without assuming its actual presence?
Which site characteristic is most likely to reduce site utility by restricting where a typical dwelling can be placed?
People Also Study
Real Estate Market
13.6% of exam
Land or Site Valuation
4.5% of exam
Sales Comparison Approach
16.4% of exam
Cost Approach
13.6% of exam
Income Approach
8.2% of exam