Articles

Adjacent excavation refers to any digging activity close to a neighbouring property, most commonly for laying foundations—whether for new buildings or underpinning existing structures. It can also include excavation for drains or lowering ground levels for...

If you’re planning building work for the first time, you might be caught off guard by the number of professionals you need to involve – and their associated costs. The UK construction industry is tightly regulated for good reason: to protect you, your neighbours, and...

Whether you're building an extension, converting your loft, or making structural changes near a boundary, it’s crucial to understand your legal responsibilities. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 exists to protect neighbours, properties, and peace of mind — but many...

Designs finalised? Budget sorted? Building regs under control?Great — but have you considered your legal obligations under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996? Many homeowners forget this crucial step, and it could cost you dearly — from project delays to neighbour disputes...

Planning building works near a shared wall or boundary? If your project has hit a snag over party wall concerns, it might be time to call in a professional. This 2025 guide breaks down when and why a Party Wall Surveyor could be the key to unlocking your progress....

There’s a comforting rhythm to everyday life. The quiet clink of cutlery, birdsong drifting in through the window, children laughing in the distance. But nothing breaks that calm quite like the crash and clatter of next door’s renovation. That’s where a Party Wall...

If you’re thinking about converting your loft, don’t pick up a hammer just yet. Before you start, it’s crucial to understand your responsibilities under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996—especially if your plans involve any walls or structures you share with your...

When your renovation or extension plans involve walls shared with your neighbours—like the dividing wall between houses, the floors between flats, or even garden boundary walls—you’ll likely fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. That means you’ll need to serve...

Planning building works that touch or come close to a shared wall or boundary? Then you might need a Party Wall Agreement – a legal safeguard that helps keep you on the right side of the law and your neighbours. Whether it’s a loft conversion, extension, or even...

Planning work near or on a shared wall? Whether it's an extension, loft conversion or structural alterations, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply – and the first step is to serve notice. A Party Wall Notice informs your neighbour (the "adjoining owner") of your...

You may assume your neighbour can’t build directly on or near your shared boundary—but under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, they might be able to, provided they follow the correct procedures. If your neighbour is considering such work, it’s important that you...

Understanding the Party Wall Act 1996: What to Do If Your Neighbour Ignores It The Party Wall Act 1996 is a key piece of UK legislation designed to prevent and resolve disputes between neighbours when building work affects shared walls or boundary structures. Despite...

Planning a renovation or building project that might affect your neighbour's property? Then a Party Wall Award may be essential before work begins. This guide outlines the key facts, legal duties, and common pitfalls—so you can get it right from day one. ✅ What Is a...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 introduces a specific legal term that often causes confusion: the Party Fence Wall. While it may sound straightforward, it's frequently misunderstood—especially when mixed up with garden fences or boundary disputes. Let’s clear things up....

Below is a summary of the types of work, as listed in Section 2 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, that require a Party Structure Notice to be served: Underpinning, thickening or raising a party wall or party fence wall Repairing, demolishing and rebuilding due to...

Serving a valid Party Wall Notice is the critical first step in engaging the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. 💡 Can You Serve Your Own Party Wall Notice? Yes—you’re entirely within your legal rights to draft and serve your own Party Wall Notices. The Act doesn’t require you...

If you’re planning building works near or on a shared wall, boundary, or floor between properties, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply—and it’s essential you follow it correctly. 🧱 What Is a Party Wall (and What Isn't)? A party wall (or party fence wall) is a...

If you're planning to renovate, extend, or build close to your property boundary, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply to your project—whether you realise it or not. Even if you’re buying a home with existing planning permission or intending to carry out works...

Planning to carry out works on your property that might affect your neighbours? Or perhaps you've just received a Party Wall Notice and are unsure what it means? Whatever your situation, understanding your rights and responsibilities under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996...

If you're planning a construction project that could impact a shared wall, boundary, or nearby foundations, it's likely the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 will apply. This legislation is designed to prevent disputes and protect all parties when building work affects...

If you're considering a loft conversion, basement extension, conservatory, or any home improvements near a shared wall or boundary, there’s a good chance you’ll need a Party Wall Agreement before starting work. Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, certain building...

Buying a property is stressful enough—so finding out that the seller has served or been served with a Party Wall Notice can raise even more questions. Whether you’re the buyer or the seller, understanding the implications of Party Wall Agreements and Awards is crucial...

If you're planning building works that fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, it's vital you understand both your legal rights and those of your neighbours. These matters can become complex quickly, and expert advice can save you considerable time, stress, and...

If you’re planning works that affect a shared wall or boundary, you’ll likely need the input of a Party Wall Surveyor—but what exactly do they do? If you’re unfamiliar with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, or you’ve never undertaken building work near a neighbouring...

If you live in a terraced or semi-detached home and you're thinking about a loft conversion, chances are you’ll need a party wall agreement with your neighbours. Most structural alterations—like touching shared walls, chimneys or roofs—fall under the Party Wall etc....

If you live in a terraced or semi-detached house, you might have heard horror stories about the Party Wall etc. Act 1996—enough to make you think twice about doing any serious renovations. But don’t be deterred. When handled correctly, the Party Wall process is...

Celebrating over 25 years since its introduction, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 remains a crucial safeguard for homeowners across England and Wales. It gives neighbours a legal say in construction work that could affect shared or nearby structures—and misunderstanding...

Planning to carry out home improvements near a shared boundary? Whether you’re converting your loft, digging foundations, or removing a chimney breast, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is there to prevent disputes with your neighbours—and you’re legally required to...

If you’ve been involved in a Party Wall dispute, you might have heard references to Magistrates or Magistrates’ Courts—and you’re not alone if you’re unsure what that really means. What Is a Magistrate? A Magistrate (also known as a Justice of the Peace) is a...

If you or your neighbour is planning construction work near or on a shared wall (known as a party wall), the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 requires a formal notice—and possibly the involvement of a Party Wall Surveyor. Whether you're the building owner or the adjoining...

If you live in a semi-detached or terraced home, you’ll likely encounter the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 when planning home renovations that involve a shared wall, boundary, or nearby excavation. While it might sound complicated, the Act exists to protect both you and...

When a building owner serves a party wall notice and the adjoining owner dissents, a dispute arises under the Party Wall Act. At this point, appointed surveyors play a key role in resolving the dispute. Their statutory appointment, confirmed through a formal letter,...

A party wall is a shared structure—typically a wall dividing two adjoining properties such as terraced or semi-detached houses. These walls are common in densely built areas and are jointly owned by the neighbouring property owners. They provide structural support and...

If you think that ignoring a Party Wall Notice will prevent your neighbour from proceeding with their planned works, unfortunately, you're mistaken. The Party Wall Notice you receive gives you 14 days to respond. If you don’t respond within that time frame, you’ll...

A Party Wall Agreement (or Party Wall Award) is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions of any proposed building works affecting a shared boundary or party wall between neighbouring properties. This agreement ensures that both you and your...

If you're a building owner planning work that falls under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, it's vital that your notices are accurate, clear, and compliant with the Act. There are three main types of notices, and each has specific requirements. Failing to provide the...

Whether you’re planning a rear extension, a loft conversion, or structural alterations near a boundary, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply to your project. It is essential legislation for homeowners in England and Wales undertaking works that could impact...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 defines a party wall in Section 20. There are two main types of party walls, described in subsections (a) and (b). Type A Party Wall — Walls Straddling the Boundary Section 20(a) defines a party wall as: “a wall which forms part of a...

If you’re planning construction or renovation work near a shared (party) wall, a Party Wall Award isn’t just a box to tick – it’s a legal safeguard for everyone involved. Whether you're the one doing the building or the neighbour affected by it, this formal agreement...

A Party Wall Notice is simply a formal letter informing your neighbour (or neighbours) of the construction work you plan to carry out. In response, your neighbour will have several options to choose from, typically laid out on the notice. Most surveyors use the same...

When your building project affects a shared (party) wall, having a Party Wall Surveyor on board is more than just good practice – it’s often a legal requirement. These professionals play a vital role in protecting everyone’s interests, keeping works compliant with the...

The short answer is no, you don’t need planning permission to initiate the Party Wall process. However, if you’re planning to move forward with construction work, you will ultimately require planning permission before proceeding. It may sound confusing, but here’s how...

Whether you're planning a rear extension, digging new foundations, or simply altering a wall shared with a neighbour, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 might apply to your project — and it's essential you comply to avoid delays, legal risks, or disputes. At Simple Survey,...

At Simple Survey, we regularly receive enquiries from concerned property owners whose neighbours have begun construction without serving the required notice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. If this has happened to you, you must act quickly. Waiting too...

A Party Wall Award—often referred to as a Party Wall Agreement—is a legally binding document under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. It sets out the rights and responsibilities of neighbouring property owners when building works affect a shared wall, boundary, or...

Under Section 12 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, the adjoining owner can request that security be provided before any notifiable works commence. This security is intended to protect the adjoining owner against risks arising from the works. How Is Security Requested?...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is a key piece of legislation in England and Wales, created to prevent disputes between neighbours over construction work. Its main goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process for resolving any issues that may arise during building...

Planning a home improvement project that involves a shared wall or structure? If so, you may need to issue a Party Wall Notice before any work begins. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is a legal framework designed to prevent and resolve disputes between neighbours when...

There’s often confusion about party fences and whether they fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Here’s what you need to know: Wooden Fences and Concrete Posts Are NOT Party Fence Walls Under the Act The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 defines a party fence wall as a...

If you're planning to carry out building work near a shared boundary or have received a Party Wall Notice, you may be wondering what your rights and responsibilities are. That’s where the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 comes in—a key piece of legislation that applies to...