The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 has been in force for over 29 years, yet many homeowners and developers remain uncertain about when it applies. The Act is designed to protect neighbouring properties during construction, covering not only houses but also barns, extensions, boundary walls, and other structures with foundations.
You may need to consider the Act if you are:
- Repairing or altering a party wall shared with a neighbour
- Building an extension that involves excavations within 3 metres of a neighbouring property (or 6 metres for deeper foundations)
- Constructing directly on the boundary line
The Act safeguards neighbouring properties while granting you legal rights of access to carry out your works. If any damage occurs, the Act provides a clear dispute resolution process—avoiding costly court proceedings.
Listed Buildings Require Extra Care
For listed properties, construction work must first receive local authority consent. Their age and unique construction often require additional consideration under the Party Wall etc. Act.
The Process in Brief
- The Building Owner (or their surveyor) serves formal notice on the neighbour
- The neighbour replies with consent or dissent
- If required, a Party Wall Award is prepared by either an agreed surveyor or surveyors appointed by each party
The Award details the planned work, timelines, access rights, and includes a record of the neighbour’s property condition before work begins.
Why Use a Party Wall Surveyor?
A qualified Party Wall Surveyor provides impartial guidance, helping you avoid disputes and ensuring compliance with the law. In many cases, a single agreed surveyor can act for both parties, saving both time and cost.
Expert Advice at Competitive Rates
At Simple Survey, we are the most cost-effective Party Wall Surveyors in the UK. Our team delivers expert, impartial guidance while keeping costs to a minimum.
📩 Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote: team@simplesurvey.co.uk