A party wall is a wall or structure shared between two or more property owners, as defined under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. It typically sits on or astride a boundary between two properties.
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.
FAQs
Q1. What is a party wall in simple terms?
A party wall is a wall shared between two properties, usually sitting on or across the boundary line, such as the wall between two terraced or semi-detached houses.
Q2. What is the difference between a Type A and Type B party wall?
A Type A party wall sits astride the boundary between two properties. A Type B party wall is built entirely on one owner’s land but is used by a neighbour to separate the buildings.
Q3. Is a garden fence a party wall?
No, timber fences and hedges are not covered by the Party Wall Act. However, a masonry garden wall built on the boundary line can count as a party fence wall.
Q4. Is a party wall the same as a party structure?
Not quite. “Party structure” is a broader term that also includes shared floors, ceilings, or dividing elements between properties, such as between flats with separate entrances.
Q5. Do I need to notify my neighbour if I have a party wall?
Yes, if your work involves structural changes to a shared wall, building on the boundary, or excavating near a neighbour’s foundations, you’ll usually need to serve a Party Wall Notice.
For the full notice process and what happens next, see our Party Wall Act 1996: The Complete Guide.
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