Articles

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is a legal framework designed to prevent and resolve disputes between neighbours when building works could affect shared walls, boundaries, or nearby foundations. It applies across England and Wales and generally covers three categories of...

A Party Wall Surveyor is an independent specialist who ensures building projects comply with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Their responsibility is to protect both the building owner and the neighbour by managing risks, preventing disputes, and resolving issues...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 sets out clear rules for building works that could impact neighbouring properties. It applies to both property owners carrying out works and neighbours whose buildings might be affected, providing a fair framework to keep projects moving...

What is a Party Wall? A party wall is any structure shared by neighbouring properties — for example, the dividing wall in semi-detached or terraced houses, or the floors and ceilings between flats. When construction or renovation work is planned that could affect...

In July 1997, the UK Government introduced the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, which applies across England and Wales. The legislation is designed to protect the rights of neighbours while providing a legal framework for building works that may affect adjoining properties....

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 came into effect across England and Wales on 1 July 1997. Its origins can be traced back to legislation introduced after the Great Fire of London in 1666, when rules were first created to regulate shared walls between properties. The Act...

If you’re planning construction works that fall within the scope of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, you are legally required to notify your neighbours before works begin. The notice period depends on the type of work being undertaken: One month’s notice for new boundary...

1. Section 1 Notice – Line of Junction Notice Required when: You plan to build a new wall up to or along the boundary line. You propose to build a wall astride the boundary (a party fence wall), subject to neighbour’s consent. 📌 Notice period: At least 1 month before...

If your neighbour is planning works that affect a party wall, a new wall on or up to the boundary, or excavation within 3 metres of your property, they are legally required to serve you with a Party Wall Notice before works begin. As the Adjoining Owner, you must...

Property owners in England and Wales will likely be familiar with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This legislation is designed to prevent and resolve disputes between neighbours when building work is planned near a shared boundary or structure. If your neighbour intends...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 sets out the legal framework that Building Owners must follow when planning certain types of work that could affect neighbouring properties. Under the Act, a formal Party Wall Notice must be served if the proposed works involve: Building...

Neighbours can present significant challenges to any development project. Whether influencing design decisions, affecting project viability, or causing delays to construction programmes, managing these risks effectively is crucial. At Simple Survey, we have honed the...

A party wall is a structure that separates two adjoining buildings, often with the boundary line running through the middle. If you plan to carry out work that directly affects a shared wall, you are legally required to notify your neighbour in advance, setting out...

If you’ve received a Party Wall Notice from your neighbour, it means they are planning works that fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. For many Adjoining Owners, this may be the first time they become aware of their neighbour’s building plans — often through a...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is a key piece of legislation in England and Wales that affects homeowners, building surveyors, and contractors. It sets out how construction works involving shared walls, boundary structures, or nearby excavations must be managed to...

If you’re planning building works that affect a shared boundary, understanding the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is essential. This legislation sets out the rights and responsibilities of both the property owner carrying out the works (the building owner) and the...

If you own a property with shared boundaries, such as semi-detached or terraced houses, you may come across the legal concept of a party wall. Whether you want to carry out building works that affect a shared wall, or you’re concerned about your neighbour’s plans,...

If you’ve recently received a Party Wall Notice from your neighbour, you may be wondering what your options are and how best to respond. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 sets out clear procedures, and how you reply will determine what happens next. Here’s a simple...

If you own a property in England or Wales, chances are you’ll come across the term party wall at some point — especially if you’re planning building work. But what exactly does it mean, and why does it matter? A party wall is a shared wall, boundary, or structure that...

When undertaking construction works in England and Wales, property owners must comply with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This legislation governs works that affect a shared boundary or structure, ensuring both the building owner and the adjoining owner are protected....

If your neighbour is planning building work, you may receive a Party Wall Notice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This is a legal requirement where the proposed works involve: Building a new wall on the boundary line Alterations to a wall you share with your...

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that under the Party Wall Act 1996, they may have to pay their neighbour for making use of existing structures. These payments are known as enclosure costs. Below, we break down what they are, when they apply, and how they’re...

When undertaking construction or renovation works close to a shared boundary, it is vital to understand the requirements of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This legislation governs how works that may affect neighbouring properties must be managed. While it protects both...

If you’re planning building works or are concerned about works taking place next door, understanding the procedures and financial responsibilities under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is essential. This guide explains the role of party wall surveyors, who pays the fees,...

If you’re planning building works to a wall you share with a neighbour—or even digging new foundations close to their property—you may need to involve a Party Wall Surveyor. This is because your project could fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, a law designed to...

In construction and property development, understanding the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 isn’t just about ticking legal boxes – it’s about keeping projects on track and relationships with neighbours on good terms. One area that often raises questions is building new walls...

When building works affect shared walls or boundaries, understanding the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is vital. One of its most important – and sometimes misunderstood – sections is Section 8: Rights of Entry. This sets out when and how a building owner can legally enter...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 sets out the procedures to follow when planning construction work near or affecting a shared wall, boundary, or property line. This guide is designed for two groups: Building Owners – those carrying out the work Adjoining Owners –...

Imagine this: you’re gearing up for an exciting home extension, only to discover that shared walls with your neighbours are creating unforeseen problems. Party wall disputes can quickly escalate into a headache, leading to potential damage, legal entanglements, and a...

A party wall refers to a wall that is shared between two properties, each with a different owner. For example, a wall that separates a semi-detached house or a floor that divides two properties can be classified as a party wall. In some cases, even freestanding...

The Party Wall Act was created to prevent disputes and promote cooperation between neighbours when construction work could affect a shared wall, boundary, or nearby foundations. It applies to all properties, but listed buildings often require extra care, as their...

Today, we’re diving into party wall agreements—what they are, when you need them, how long they last, and whether you can handle it on your own. Let’s get into it! What is a Party Wall Agreement? A party wall is a shared wall between two properties, typically found in...

If you’ve received a party wall notice, you’re considered the "adjoining owner" under the Party Wall Act, as opposed to the building owner—the person proposing the work. Let's focus on your options as the adjoining owner. Your 3 Options as an Adjoining Owner When you...

If you're planning a loft conversion and live in a semi-detached or terraced house, the Party Wall Act is an essential piece of legislation you'll need to understand. This law, introduced in 1996, is designed to protect both homeowners and their neighbours when...

In today's article, we're diving into a scenario that, unfortunately, is not as rare as we'd like it to be: when a building owner begins party wall works without serving the necessary party wall notice to the adjoining property owner. This situation is particularly...

What Is a Party Wall?A party wall is a wall shared between two properties—such as a dividing wall between semi-detached houses. It could also be part of a floor or structure separating two buildings, like in a block of flats.It’s important to note that a party wall...

Once you’ve determined that a Party Wall Agreement is necessary, the next step is to serve a Party Wall notice to your neighbours. This formal notice must be given to anyone whose property could be affected by the planned works. Here’s how it works: Creating the...

Most building owners assume that signing a letter of appointment is just a routine step when dealing with the Party Wall Act. In reality, these letters are often signed far too early, and this can have unintended – and expensive – consequences. This article isn’t...

Types of Party Wall Notices: Section 1 Notice: For building on or at the boundary line between two properties. Section 2 Notice: For work on an existing party wall or structure (e.g., shared walls or fences). Section 6 Notice: For excavation work within a certain...

Let's take a step back and clarify a few important terms and roles under the Act. Key Roles: "Owner" and "Surveyor" When dealing with party walls, you'll come across two main referrals: owner and surveyor. Owner: The Act divides ownership into two groups: Building...

If you're reading this, it means you've received a Party Wall Notice. Hopefully, the accompanying letter and drawings help clarify the Party Wall process and the proposed construction works.We’re going to quickly walk you through the different response options to...

If you live in a terraced or semi-detached property, you're likely familiar with the concept of a party wall. This is a wall or structure that divides two adjoining properties. It can also include shared elements such as floors between flats or other structures that...

Appealing a Party Wall Award may sound like a straightforward way to challenge an unfair decision, but the reality is very different. Appeals are complex, time-consuming, and extremely costly. Before you consider this route, it’s essential to understand both the risks...

If you’re planning an extension to your home, you may have heard of the Party Wall Act, which could impact how you go about your project. In this guide, we’ll break down what the Party Wall Act is, how it relates to your extension, and the steps you need to follow to...

Thinking about converting your loft? It’s an exciting way to add space and value to your home — but before work begins, you’ll need to consider the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This law sets out the procedures you must follow if your loft conversion involves work on a...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 sets out rules for property owners planning construction work near or on a shared boundary. Its main purpose is to protect both you and your neighbours by requiring notice before work begins and offering a clear process for resolving...

If you’re planning building work that affects a shared wall or boundary, you’ll likely need to appoint a party wall surveyor under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. But here’s a common question: can your designer step in and act as your surveyor? Let’s break down the...