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, landlords and developers can understand what’s going on when receiving a Party Wall Notice or Award.
📜 Reading a Party Wall Award?
We’ll admit – it’s not exactly thrilling reading… unless you’re one of our surveyors! But knowing what the terms mean makes it much easier to understand your rights and responsibilities.
The Big List – A to Z of Party Wall Terms
Adjoining Owner
This refers to the freeholder or leaseholder of the neighbouring land or property. It can be an individual or a company.
Even if the properties don’t physically touch, someone may still be considered an adjoining owner under Section 6 of the Act – for example, if your works involve excavation near their structure.
Building Owner
This is the person or company (freeholder or leaseholder) proposing to carry out notifiable building work.
Foundation
The structural base that a wall or building is built on.
Older buildings were sometimes constructed with minimal foundations (or none at all). Modern standards now require far more robust foundation systems, especially with building control oversight.
Line of Junction
A technical term for the boundary line between two properties.
Note: Party Wall Surveyors do not resolve boundary disputes. The “line of junction” is used to describe where a new wall may be constructed up to or astride this line.
Party Fence Wall
A masonry wall (not a timber fence) that separates two gardens or plots and does not form part of a building. Also commonly referred to as a garden wall.
Party Wall
There are two types:
- Type A: A wall that stands astride the boundary and separates two buildings – such as the wall between terraced or semi-detached houses.
- Type B: A wall that belongs to one property but has been partially enclosed upon by the neighbour (e.g., a garage built against it). Only the section enclosed upon becomes a party wall.
Party Wall Award
A legally binding document prepared by surveyor(s) that:
- Describes the works to be carried out
- Outlines the duties of the building owner
- Details any protective measures required for the adjoining owner’s property
👉 An Award is separate from other permissions such as planning consent or building control approval.
Party Wall Notice
A formal legal notice served by the building owner to the adjoining owner(s) when notifiable works are planned.
There are different types of notices depending on the nature of the work, with notice periods ranging from 1 to 12 months, depending on the type of work:
- Works to the party wall: 2–12 months
- New walls at the boundary or excavations: 1–12 months
Party Structure
A broader term that covers any structure shared between two properties – including walls, floors, and partitions separating different dwellings (e.g. flats).
Special Foundations
Foundations that use reinforced concrete with rods or beams for added structural strength. These require additional consideration under the Act, especially when built near or on shared land.
⚠️ Not Sure What Applies to Your Project?
If you’ve received a Party Wall Notice or are planning works near a boundary, understanding the terminology is crucial.
📩 Need advice or have questions about your Party Wall Notice or Award?
Email our team of experts at team@simplesurvey.co.uk – we’re happy to help simplify the process for you.