Are you planning construction work near a shared wall, boundary line, or neighbouring foundations?
If so, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply to your project. While the rules can seem daunting, our role as experienced Party Wall Surveyors is to simplify the process, protect your legal position, and keep your project moving without unnecessary disputes.
📩 Contact us today at team@simplesurvey.co.uk — the most affordable Party Wall Surveyors in England & Wales.
What Does the Party Wall Act Cover?
The Party Wall Act applies to a range of works, including:
1. Party Walls
Walls shared between two properties, such as those found in terraced or semi-detached houses. Whether the wall sits astride the boundary or lies entirely on one property but supports both, the Act applies.
2. Party Structures
Floors, ceilings, or walls dividing flats or maisonettes. Altering these – such as cutting into a shared ceiling or strengthening a separating wall – usually requires formal notice.
3. Boundary Walls
Walls built directly on the boundary line (the “line of junction”). Garden or yard walls in brick or stone are included, but timber fences are not.
4. Excavations Near a Neighbour’s Property
Digging foundations within 3 metres of your neighbour’s building (or within 6 metres in some cases) at a lower depth than their foundations requires notice.
5. Alterations to Existing Party Walls
Works such as:
- Cutting into the wall (e.g. inserting steel beams for a loft conversion).
- Removing chimney breasts.
- Raising, lowering, or rebuilding a wall.
- Installing damp-proof courses or insulation.
6. New Walls on the Boundary
If you want to build a new wall directly on or astride the boundary line, you’ll need to notify your neighbour and, in some cases, secure their written consent.
The Party Wall Process: Step by Step
- Check if the Act Applies
Confirm whether your planned works affect a shared wall, boundary, or involve excavation. - Serve Notice
The Building Owner must serve a written Party Wall Notice at least:
- 2 months before starting most works.
- 1 month before excavation or boundary wall works.
- Neighbour’s Response
Adjoining Owners have 14 days to:
- Consent to the works, or
- Dissent, triggering the need for surveyors.
- Appoint Surveyors
- Both parties can agree on one impartial surveyor, or
- Each side may appoint their own.
- Party Wall Award
Surveyors issue a legally binding document setting out:
- How the work will be carried out.
- Access rights and safeguards.
- Procedures for handling damage or disputes.
- Work Commences
Once the Award is in place, the building work can begin – but only in line with the Award’s conditions.
What Happens If There’s Damage?
The Building Owner is usually liable to make good or compensate for damage.
Who Pays the Costs?
Generally, the Building Owner (the person carrying out the works) covers:
- Their own surveyor’s fees.
- The neighbour’s surveyor’s fees (if separate surveyors are appointed).
- Any repairs for damage caused by the works.
Exceptions exist if works are jointly beneficial, in which case costs may be shared.
Why Choose Simple Survey?
- Affordable – The cheapest Party Wall Surveyors across England & Wales.
- Experienced – We deal with the Act every day and understand how to avoid costly delays.
- Impartial – Our duty is to the Act, ensuring fairness for both Building Owners and Adjoining Owners.
- Efficient – We help you stay compliant and keep your project on schedule.
- Clear Communication – We keep all parties informed, reducing stress and minimising disputes.
Get Started Today
Don’t let Party Wall procedures hold up your project. Whether you’re a homeowner, builder, or property developer, we’ll help you stay compliant and keep things moving smoothly.
📩 Email team@simplesurvey.co.uk today for fast, affordable advice.