Party Wall Matters

We provide advice on the implementation of the Party Wall etc Act 1996. When it applies, measures necessary to comply with the legislation, benefits and protection it provides to both the building owner undertaking work and their adjoining owners.

We can provide initial consultation, assistance with preparation and serving of the various party wall notices, acting as building owners surveyor, adjoining owners surveyor or agreed surveyor.

Purpose of the Party Wall Act

The purpose of The Party Wall etc act 1996 is to minimize disputes by providing procedures for owners of the building undertaking works covered by the act, to notify their neighbours, giving them the opportunity to respond or obtain their consent in certain circumstances.

The act then provides a procedure to resolve disputes if they occur, by the appointment of an 'agreed surveyor' to act for both property owners, or two separate surveyors to determine the time and way in which work is carried out.

When Does It Apply / Types of Party Wall Notices

Below are instances when consideration should be given to the party wall etc act which may require party wall notices to be served on the adjoining owner or owner's and procedures of the act followed.

The interpretation of the act requires consideration of a number of property related specific factors. The information on this site provides some general principles only and aims to explain in simple terms when the act applies. It is not an authoritative interpretation of the law.

Further guidance is available by following the links to the right.

Line of Junction

Construction of a new wall or structure, within close proximity, along, or astride to a boundary line between two properties.

Party Structure

When undertaking various construction or repair works to a structure separating two ownership, ie. wall, ceiling or floor.

Adjacent Excavations

Undertaking any excavations within 3 meters of an adjoining owners building or structure which may extend below the bottom of their foundations.

Undertaking any excavations within 6 meters of an adjoining owners building or structure which may extend past a line taken at 45 degree from the intersection of the outside face of the wall and bottom of their foundation.

Planning and Building Regulation Approval

You must remember that reaching agreement with the Adjoining Owner or Owners under the Act does not remove the possible need to apply for planning permission and / or building regulations approval

Conversely, gaining planning permission or complying with the building regulations does not remove the need to comply with the Party Wall ext. Act where it is applicable.

Further Information

Further general guidance on the Party Wall etc. Act is available by following the links provided to the right.

For further information on the range of services available please contact us.