The Act is engaged whenever certain work is proposed to a shared wall, structure or boundary, or excavation work is carried out close to a neighbour's structure.
Building a new wall up to or on the boundary line where none currently exists.
Cutting into, raising, underpinning or removing a shared wall or floor. Common examples include loft conversions, side extensions, basement works, altering or removing a shared chimney breast, and altering or removing a shared chimney stack.
Digging within 3m or 6m of a neighbour's structure (depending on depth). Typical for new foundations and basements.
A typical Party Wall process runs through these steps. Timings can compress or extend depending on neighbour response.
Confirm whether the proposed work falls under Sections 1, 2 or 6 of the Act. Not all building work needs notices.
Two months' notice for party structure works; one month for line-of-junction and excavation notices. Wording matters.
The adjoining owner has 14 days to consent, dissent or remain silent (which counts as dissent and triggers a dispute).
Where dissent occurs, each owner appoints a surveyor, or both parties agree on a single 'Agreed Surveyor'.
The surveyor(s) record the condition of the adjoining property before work begins. This protects everyone.
A Party Wall Award sets out what work is authorised, how it must be done, and what happens if damage occurs.
The full PDF guide covering notices, dispute resolution, awards, dispensing with notices, and what happens if things go wrong.
Planning an extension that triggers a Party Wall notice? Get a quick budget feel for the build itself first.
Before notices are served, work out who actually owns the boundary in question. This tool walks you through it.
Every Party Wall situation has its own quirks: the type of work, the type of property and the type of neighbour. Use this page as orientation, then instruct a Party Wall surveyor before any notice is served. Getting the notice wrong is a common and expensive mistake.