A party wall is any wall or structure that sits directly on the boundary between two (or more) properties and is shared by the owners. Common examples include:
- The wall dividing terraced or semi-detached houses
- Garden boundary walls built astride a property line
- Floors or ceilings separating flats
While some building works are not covered by Building Regulations, they may still fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 — a separate piece of legislation with its own requirements.
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996
The Act exists to protect both the Building Owner (who wants to carry out works) and the Adjoining Owner (whose property might be affected). It sets out clear procedures for:
- Serving Party Wall Notices before works begin
- Allowing neighbours to consent, dissent, or request modifications
- Appointing surveyors if there is disagreement
- Preparing a legally binding Party Wall Award to govern the works
The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has produced explanatory guidance to help homeowners understand the process. This includes answers to common questions such as:
- What a Party Wall Award can cover
- What happens if a building becomes unsafe
- How to handle excessive noise
- The role of surveyors in resolving disputes
Do You Need a Party Wall Agreement?
If your planned works affect a shared wall, structure, or involve excavations near a neighbour’s property, you will usually need to serve a Party Wall Notice and obtain a Party Wall Agreement (Award).
Examples of works requiring an agreement include:
- Loft conversions that cut into a party wall
- Extensions that build against or astride a boundary
- Excavations for new foundations within 3–6 metres of a neighbour’s property
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