Planning building works that affect a shared wall or boundary? Or perhaps you’ve received a Party Wall Notice and aren’t sure how to respond? Whether you’re a Building Owner or Adjoining Owner, understanding your rights under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is essential before you take the next step.
At Simple Survey, our experienced party wall surveyors are here to guide you through the process quickly, clearly, and professionally. Here are answers to five of the most common questions we hear:
1. What Does the Party Wall Act Actually Do?
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 exists to help prevent and resolve disputes over shared structures, such as:
- Party walls between terraced or semi-detached houses
- Garden boundary walls
- Excavation work near neighbouring properties
It gives rights to building owners to carry out certain works while also protecting the interests of adjoining neighbours. Whether you’re building an extension, converting your loft, or digging foundations, the Act may apply — and if it does, formal notices and agreements must be in place before work begins.
2. When Does the Act Apply?
The Act typically comes into play for three types of “notifiable” work:
- Work on or close to the boundary line between properties
- Excavations within a set distance of a neighbouring structure
- Alterations to shared party structures, such as walls or floors
Examples include:
- Inserting steel beams into a party wall for a loft conversion
- Knocking through or removing a chimney breast
- Building an extension close to a neighbour’s foundations
- Underpinning for a basement project
- Constructing a new wall along the boundary
3. Why Appoint a Party Wall Surveyor?
A qualified surveyor will:
- Draw up a legally binding Party Wall Award, outlining how and when the works will be carried out
- Ensure that all procedures are followed, protecting both parties from future disputes or unfair claims
At Simple Survey, we recommend speaking to your neighbours in advance to keep things friendly. If they consent to the works, great. If they dissent — or don’t respond — surveyors will need to be appointed to resolve matters formally.
4. Can My Neighbour’s Builders Come Onto My Land?
Possibly — but only if absolutely necessary.
The Act gives your neighbour (and their contractors) legal rights of access if the work can’t reasonably be done otherwise. They must give you a minimum of 14 days’ notice before entering your land.
However, “necessary” does not mean “convenient.” If there’s another method, even if more costly, that avoids entering your property, that’s the route they must take.
5. Do I Need a Solicitor to Handle This?
No. The Party Wall Act is unique in that it is handled by surveyors, not lawyers.
Surveyors with expertise in construction and property law are best placed to handle these matters. They combine technical building knowledge with legal understanding to deliver fair and efficient resolutions.
At Simple Survey, we specialise in party wall matters — and we welcome all enquiries, no matter how straightforward or complex your situation may seem.
Need Professional Party Wall Advice?
Whether you’re planning a build or responding to a neighbour’s notice, getting it wrong can be costly. Let Simple Survey take the stress out of the process.
📧 Email us today at team@simplesurvey.co.uk for expert guidance and friendly, no-obligation advice.