Simple Survey – Your Local Party Wall Surveyors, here to keep your project compliant and neighbour-friendly.
If your building plans involve digging foundations, underpinning, or excavation close to another property, Section 6 of the Party Wall Act almost certainly applies.
This section of the law is designed to safeguard neighbouring buildings and reduce the risk of disputes when heavy groundworks are involved.
📩 Need advice? Speak to a Party Wall Surveyor today.
What does Section 6 cover?
Section 6 applies when you plan to:
- Excavate within 3 metres of a neighbour’s structure and to a depth lower than their foundations.
- Excavate within 6 metres if the works intersect a line drawn at a 45° angle down from their foundation.
- Prepare deep trenches, basements, or piling works that could undermine a neighbour’s stability.
Before starting, you must serve a Section 6 Notice at least one month in advance. If the adjoining owner agrees in writing, you can proceed. If they dissent or don’t reply, surveyors must be appointed and a Party Wall Award prepared.
How Section 6 disputes arise
Most Section 6 disputes happen because:
- No formal notice was served before excavation.
- The neighbour is worried about structural risks.
- Timelines are rushed and paperwork is skipped.
These issues can result in delays, legal challenges, or costly project changes.
Preventing problems under Section 6
At Simple Survey – Your Local Party Wall Surveyors, we help builders, architects, and homeowners stay compliant and avoid disputes by:
- Preparing and serving valid Section 6 Notices.
- Explaining the process clearly to adjoining owners.
- Providing expert advice before works begin, so there are no surprises.
- Acting impartially if surveyors are needed, ensuring both parties are treated fairly.
- Producing thorough Party Wall Awards, with schedules of condition to protect you from false claims.
With our guidance, you can move forward confidently, knowing everything is legally covered.
Why Section 6 matters
For builders and developers, compliance avoids unexpected stoppages, objections, or costly redesigns.
For homeowners, it ensures their property is protected, their voice is heard, and any risk is managed responsibly.
Section 6 provides:
- Transparency – neighbours know exactly what’s planned.
- Protection – both sides’ rights are safeguarded.
- Efficiency – projects stay on track with less chance of conflict.
Handled correctly, it’s not just about legal compliance—it’s about maintaining good neighbourly relations and building with peace of mind.
Need help with Section 6?
Whether you’re putting in a basement, laying deep foundations, or starting major excavation, we’ll make sure your notices, agreements, and surveys are done right.
📩 Email team@simplesurvey.co.uk – The cheapest Party Wall Surveyors across England & Wales.