Unsure what a Party Wall actually is?

Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, a “party wall” refers to certain types of walls or structures that are shared by two or more property owners. Understanding whether your project affects a party wall is the first step in ensuring compliance with the Act.

The Main Types of Party Wall

Type A Party Wall

A wall is classed as a party wall if it sits astride the boundary between two (or more) pieces of land owned by different people. This may include:

  • A wall forming part of one building (e.g. the side wall of a terraced house)
  • A wall separating two buildings (e.g. semi-detached homes)
  • A party fence wall, such as a masonry garden wall built on the boundary line (excluding timber fences and hedges)

Type B Party Wall

A wall built entirely on one owner’s land but used by another owner to separate their buildings. For example, if a wall was constructed by one owner and a neighbour later built against it, the section acting as a divider is considered a party wall.

What Is a Party Structure?

The Act also uses the broader term “party structure”, which includes floors, ceilings, or other dividing elements that separate different parts of buildings owned by different people — for example, between flats with separate entrances.

What Is Not a Party Wall?

Not all walls are covered by the Act. Examples that fall outside the definition include:

  • Boundary walls wholly on one owner’s land (without shared use)
  • External walls of a building constructed right up to, but not across, a boundary

Does the Party Wall Act Affect You?

You may need to serve a Party Wall Notice if you intend to:

  • Carry out structural work to a shared wall, floor, or ceiling
  • Build on or at a boundary line
  • Excavate close to a neighbour’s foundations

If in doubt, it’s always best to seek professional advice to avoid invalid notices or disputes.

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