If you live in a terraced or semi-detached house, or are building close to the boundary, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is likely to apply to your project. It sets out how work affecting shared walls and neighbouring foundations must be agreed, and it applies in England and Wales.
When does it apply?
The Act covers three broad kinds of work:
- Work to an existing party wall, such as cutting in to support steel beams or joists. This is common in loft conversions and when opening up the back of a house.
- Building a new wall on or at the boundary line.
- Excavating near a neighbouring building, typically within 3 metres and deeper than their foundations, or within 6 metres in some deeper cases.
The notices and how much warning to give
- Party structure notice: at least two months before work to a party wall.
- Line of junction notice: at least one month before building a new wall on the boundary.
- Notice of adjacent excavation: at least one month before digging foundations close to a neighbour’s.
Your neighbour then has 14 days to respond. They can consent, or dissent. If they dissent, or do not reply, a dispute is treated as having arisen.
What happens if there is a dispute?
A dispute does not stop the work, but it means surveyors are appointed. Either both owners agree on one surveyor, or each appoints their own. The surveyors prepare a party wall award, which sets out how and when the work will be done and records the condition of the neighbour’s property beforehand. The building owner usually pays the surveyors’ fees.
Tips for a smooth process
- Talk to your neighbours before the formal notice arrives. It makes a big difference.
- Serve notices early, so the timings do not hold up your start date.
- Keep a record of the condition of the wall and adjoining rooms before work starts.
We flag party wall requirements at the start of every project and build the notice periods into the programme.
This is a general guide, not legal advice. A party wall surveyor can advise on your specific situation.
Planning a project in Greater Manchester or Cheshire? Get a free quote, or message the team on WhatsApp and send a few photos of your space.
