Articles

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 removing a chimney breast from your property? It’s a big structural job — and depending on your circumstances, you may need a Party Wall Agreement before you begin. This guide explains when the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies, why an agreement matters,...

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...

It’s a fair question. If you’re already paying an architect to design your extension or manage your build, why not have them take care of the party wall agreement too? Sounds like a two-for-one deal, right? Here’s the catch: under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, a...

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...

If you share a wall, boundary, or structure with a neighbouring property, a party wall agreement is a vital safeguard. This legal document sets out the rights and responsibilities of each property owner when it comes to building, repairing, or making alterations that...

If you’re planning building works that affect a shared wall or boundary, you must serve a Party Wall Notice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Failing to do so can have serious legal and financial consequences for both you and your neighbour. A recent Court of Appeal...

Adding features like box frames, display mounts, or even backyard goal posts can be a great way to enhance your home’s look and function. But even seemingly minor works can fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 — meaning you may have legal duties before you pick up...

If you’re planning a loft conversion, rear extension, or other major home improvement in London, there’s a key legal process you might need to follow — the Party Wall Agreement, formally referred to as a Party Wall Award. While it may sound like yet another hurdle...

If your neighbour has carried out works under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and you’re now looking to sell your property, you may be wondering what steps you need to take. The process is usually straightforward — but a little preparation ensures a smooth handover to...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 exists to protect both property owners and their neighbours when building works could affect a shared wall, boundary, or adjoining structure. But what if you’ve already given consent to your neighbour’s Party Wall Notice — and now you’re...

If you’re planning works such as a loft conversion, rear extension, boundary changes, or any construction affecting a shared wall, you may be required under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 to serve a Party Wall Notice to your neighbours. While the legal paperwork is...

If you’re planning work that impacts a shared or boundary wall—whether it’s an extension, loft conversion, or basement excavation—issuing the correct Party Wall Notice is more than a formality. It’s a legal requirement under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, and getting...

When planning building work, the process involves more than just design and materials — it also requires navigating legal obligations that protect both you and your neighbours. One key element under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is the Line of Junction Notice, which...

Are you in conflict with a neighbour over proposed building works along a shared boundary? Engaging a qualified Party Wall Surveyor can help you navigate the process and avoid costly disputes. For many homeowners in London and the surrounding counties—particularly...

Renovations that involve inserting a steel beam into one or more party walls — such as creating an open-plan layout or removing a wall to form a through-lounge — can be a major upgrade to your home. However, these works often fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996,...

If you’re planning renovations, an extension, or any form of structural alteration to your property in England, understanding your legal obligations and maintaining good neighbour relations is essential. One of the most important steps you can take is to work with an...

If you’re planning construction that involves a shared wall, boundary, or adjoining structure, it’s important to understand your obligations under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. A question we hear often is: Can I decide adjoining owner notice response? The short...

When carrying out construction work that affects a shared wall, boundary, or structure, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 sets out strict procedures to protect both building owners and adjoining owners. One of the most important elements of this process is the timing for...

When it comes to party wall work, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 sets out clear procedures to ensure construction near shared walls or boundaries is carried out fairly and safely. Central to this process are the surveyors who help protect the interests of both property...

When carrying out work that affects a shared wall, boundary, or structure, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 provides a legal framework to manage potential disputes between neighbours. Central to this framework is the Party Wall Award, a legally binding document prepared...

If you are planning construction work that affects a shared wall, boundary, or structure, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 requires you to notify your neighbour in writing. This formal notification is known as a Party Wall Notice, and it helps prevent disputes and ensures...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 provides a legal framework to manage construction work affecting shared walls or boundaries. When a dispute arises between a building owner and an adjoining owner, surveyors are appointed to create a Party Wall Award, which is a legally...

If you’re planning construction work that affects a shared or boundary wall, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may require you to appoint a Party Wall Surveyor. Understanding the potential costs—and what influences them—can help you budget more effectively. Typical Costs...

Starting an extension is exciting, but before any soil is turned, it’s essential to meet your legal obligations under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. One of the most common triggers for serving a Party Wall Notice is foundation work — an area covered in detail by...

If your building plans involve a shared or boundary wall, working with an experienced Party Wall Surveyor is key to avoiding delays, disputes, and legal issues. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 requires certain projects—such as loft conversions, extensions, or excavation...

If you’re planning building works on a boundary or shared wall with a neighbour, appointing a skilled Party Wall Surveyor can save you time, money, and unnecessary conflict. Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, certain projects require formal procedures to protect both...

Some Building Owners think they can bypass the Party Wall process — perhaps because they get on well with their neighbours and assume any issues will be “sorted over a cup of tea”. But when it comes to building works, good intentions won’t protect you if things go...

When neighbouring construction causes damage, your first step is to check whether you’re protected by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. If you’ve: Received a valid Party Wall Notice Had Party Wall Surveyor(s) properly appointed Been served an Award …then you’re likely...

If you’re planning renovations or an extension that falls under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, you must serve your adjoining owner with a Party Wall Notice before starting work. Once served, your neighbour can: Consent to the works Dissent, triggering the appointment...

Choosing to sidestep your legal obligations under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 can lead to expensive, stressful, and time-consuming consequences. You risk damaging neighbourly relationships and may find yourself liable not only for repairing damage but also for...

Looking for a free party wall agreement template? Want to keep costs down while still staying on the right side of the law under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996? Here’s the truth: there’s no single “off the shelf” Party Wall Award template you can just download and sign....

When you’re planning building work, you’ve already invested time, money, and thought into the design. Your choice of Party Wall Surveyor will directly affect your budget, project timeline, and — crucially — your relationship with your neighbours. First Things First —...

You might have heard the term Party Wall Surveyor in passing, but knowing whether you actually need one is another matter entirely. If your building project involves work near or on a shared structure, getting a surveyor involved isn’t just a good idea — it’s often...

A Party Wall Notice is a formal document you serve on any neighbour who shares a wall, structure, or boundary with your property. It sets out exactly what work you plan to carry out to that shared element — from cutting into a wall to excavation near their...

That letter through your door — the Party Structure Notice — can look pretty daunting. It’s asking you to consent to building work next door. But what happens if you say yes? Or if you say no? Worried that dissenting might upset your neighbour (and cost them more)? Or...

Although the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 has been on the statute books for nearly 30 years, it remains poorly understood by both the public and some construction professionals. The Act’s wording gives little away about the exact nature of the surveyor’s role — yet that...

If you’re planning a home extension, a through-lounge knock-through, removing chimney breasts, or adding a loft conversion, there’s a key piece of legislation you can’t afford to ignore — The Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This law is particularly relevant where homes...

You’ve received a Party Wall Notice about building works next door, and your first thought is, “Am I going to be out of pocket?”Or perhaps you’re the one planning the works and wondering if you can recover some of the costs from your neighbour. Here’s the truth: under...

Recent high-profile collapses during basement conversions and extensions have shown the devastating risks of ignoring the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 or appointing inexperienced surveyors. The Act provides a legal framework allowing a building owner to: Work on a shared...

Ever spoken to a Party Wall Surveyor but never heard the term Agreed Surveyor?If so, you’re not alone — and you could be missing out on a route that saves you time, money, and stress. Let’s break it down. When Are Surveyors Appointed? Your first step with a Party Wall...