Boundary walls cause confusion because not every boundary wall is a party wall matter. The Act is concerned with certain shared walls—particularly masonry boundary walls used as a dividing wall between properties.
Which part of the Act applies?
This depends on what you are rebuilding:
- If it is a shared masonry boundary wall (a party fence wall), works commonly fall under Section 2, with notice served under Section 3.
- If you are building a new wall at the boundary line, Section 1 may apply.
The Party Wall process (Notice → Response → Award)
- Section 1 notice: typically 1 month
- Section 3 notice (Section 2 works): 2 months
- Response: 14 days
- Award (Section 10): where there is no written consent
The key beginner questions
- Is the wall masonry and used as the dividing boundary wall?
- Is it shared, or wholly on one owner’s land?
- Are you rebuilding like-for-like, or changing height/thickness/position?
If you change the nature of the wall, neighbours are more likely to dissent.
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If you are rebuilding a boundary wall and want the correct section and notice route confirmed, contact Simple Survey.