Since 1939 buildings in London have been covered by Party Wall legislation and now the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 (the Act) extends this to the whole country.

The Act requires a building owner wishing to undertake work of the following nature to notify affected neighbours by serving a Party Wall Notice:

1. Work to an existing wall or structure shared with another property.

2. Building a wall up to or straddling the boundary of a neighbouring property.

3. Excavating near a neighbouring building.

The purpose of the legislation is to prevent disputes but there are strict guidelines on the service and response to notices, which must be adhered to.

Work to an adjoining property may cause damage to yours and it is thus important that you take independent advice.

In many cases work to party structures can be agreed between neighbours without the involvement of a Party Wall Award (Agreement) but in most cases it is important to prepare a Schedule of Condition and that this is agreed between the parties prior to work commencing. This will identify any pre-existing defects and will thus hopefully avoid dispute should damage occur.

Usually the owner who instigates the work will pay all costs associated with Party Wall Agreements and the preparation of Schedules of Condition.

For more information on our services please call 0800 023 6302

• Structural Surveys
• Homebuyers reports and valuations 
• Party wall awards
• Advice on building defects
• Design and architectural work 
• Subsidence claims
• Valuations
• Residential and commercial property 

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