Short answer: if your project involves work to a wall you share with a neighbour, building on the boundary, or digging foundations close to a neighbour’s building, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is likely to apply. You must serve notice on the affected neighbours before work starts. Party wall matters are arranged by you as the homeowner, and we offer advice and support throughout.
When the Act applies
- Work to a party wall, such as cutting in steel beams for a loft conversion, removing a chimney breast or raising the wall.
- Building a new wall on the boundary line, for example a side return extension built up to the boundary.
- Excavating near a neighbour’s building, generally within three metres and deeper than their foundations, or within six metres in some deeper cases.
Serving notice
Notice must be served in writing before work starts. For work to a party wall, the notice period is two months. For new boundary walls and excavations, it is one month. Your neighbour can consent, or dissent and ask for a party wall surveyor. If they do not reply within 14 days, a dispute is treated as having arisen and surveyors are appointed.
Surveyors and the party wall award
Neighbours can agree to use one surveyor, or each appoint their own. The surveyors record the condition of the neighbour’s property, then agree a party wall award that sets out what work can be done, how and when, and how any damage would be put right. The homeowner carrying out the work normally pays the surveyors’ fees.
Talk to your neighbours early
A friendly conversation before the formal notice usually makes the process quicker and cheaper. Showing your neighbours the drawings and explaining the timetable helps them feel informed rather than surprised.
How we help
Party wall agreements are the one item our clients arrange themselves, but we make it straightforward. We identify early which walls and neighbours are affected, provide the drawings and structural details the surveyors need, and plan the programme around the notice periods. Learn more about our loft conversions and extensions.
