Articles

Introduction When your planned works fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, serving the correct notice is not optional — it’s the first legal step in keeping your project compliant and avoiding disputes. Many property owners are tempted to draft their own notice...

A party fence wall is a shared boundary wall that straddles the land of two owners. While a solid Victorian or Edwardian wall can stand for over a century, decades of rain, frost, and the push of tree roots eventually take their toll — leaving many in need of repair....

With remote working now firmly part of everyday life, more people are investing in dedicated home workspaces. If you don’t have a spare room indoors, your garden can offer the perfect solution — whether for a stylish office, a home gym, or a creative studio. But...

First, check if there was a Party Wall Award (Agreement) in place before the work began. If a Party Wall Award exists and the extension breaches its terms, the surveyors can reconvene to decide on a suitable remedy and issue a further Award to address the problem. No...

Loft conversions have become one of the most popular home improvements across London — and it’s no surprise. With house prices climbing and stamp duty costs making moving less appealing, extending upwards into the loft can be a smart way to create more space and...

Most homeowners understand that neighbouring building work—and the inconvenience it can bring—is often part and parcel of property ownership. However, many are unaware of their legal obligations when it comes to certain types of work, especially those covered under...

If you’ve served a Party Wall Award and now face resistance from a neighbour when trying to complete the work, you're not alone. Fortunately, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 has provisions to deal with precisely this situation. Access Rights Under the Party Wall Act In...

This article is intended for those who are either frustrated by the Party Wall process or doing their due diligence before appointing a surveyor. It provides a concise overview of one of the most misunderstood (yet powerful) mechanisms under the Party Wall etc. Act...

We often hear from building owners who have contractors ready to start work—sometimes as soon as next week—only to discover at the last minute that a Party Wall Award is essential before any legal work can begin. What Can We Learn from Ants About Getting Organised? If...

This is a question we’re often asked by neighbours on either side of the garden fence — especially when builders are booked and work is due to begin within days. You’ve got planning permission. Building control is sorted. And now the Party Wall Award is the final...

If you've just bought a home that’s in need of full refurbishment and your plans include adding a loft pod that encloses onto a raised party wall (parapet), there are a few important considerations to bear in mind — both under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and in terms...

A Party Wall Award—often referred to as a Party Wall Agreement—is a legally binding document that plays a vital role in many construction projects, particularly those involving extensions, loft conversions, and renovation work. As specialist Party Wall Surveyors and...

If you're planning to build a basement beneath your property, it’s important to understand that it’s one of the most technically challenging forms of domestic construction — but also one of the most rewarding if done right. We’ll take you through what the process...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 does not define what constitutes a “reasonable” surveyor fee, although it does state in Section 10(12) that such fees should be “reasonable and payable by the building owner.” However, the Act remains silent on what those fees might...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is designed to strike a fair balance—allowing building works to move forward while safeguarding the rights of those affected. Section 10(4) is a key provision that demonstrates this balance in action. So, What Does Section 10(4) Actually...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 was introduced by Parliament to regulate specific types of building work that may affect neighbouring structures or land. Its purpose is to ensure that adjoining owners are properly notified and protected before certain works begin. The...

Understanding the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 can be tricky, especially when Party Wall Awards and communications between surveyors are filled with legal terms and technical expressions. We’ve put together a plain-English glossary of key Party Wall terms – so homeowners,...

Everything You Need to Know Before Starting Construction Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, if you're planning certain types of building work near or on a shared boundary, you’re legally required to inform your neighbour(s) in writing. This formal notification is...

Navigating the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 can be a challenge, especially for those taking on building work for the first time. Increasingly, we’re seeing homeowners attempt to serve their own notices, only to find out later that they’re invalid — causing unnecessary...

Many homeowners and landlords are aware of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, often thinking it applies only when physically working on a party wall (like the wall between terraced or semi-detached houses). But the Act casts a wider net than you might expect. What’s the...

If you’re planning building works — or your neighbour is — the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 might apply. This important piece of legislation requires that adjoining neighbours are formally notified when certain types of construction are proposed. It also gives them the...

As experienced Party Wall surveyors, we’ve written this guide to clear up some of the most common misunderstandings we hear from building owners and neighbours alike. The Responsibility Lies With the Building Owner If you're planning work that falls under the Act,...

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...