Learn All About the Party Wall Act

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is a UK law that regulates the work carried out on or close to a shared boundary or Party Wall between two adjoining properties.

The Act was introduced to help resolve disputes between neighbours and provide a framework for Owners to carry out building work to their property while minimising the risks of disruption and damage to neighbouring buildings and property.

The Party Wall Act covers several types of building work that may affect the neighbouring property, including:

• Building a new wall on the boundary.

• Cutting into or removing part of a Party Wall or structure.

• Underpinning a Party Wall.

• Repairing or replacing a Party Wall.

• Excavating within 3 to 6 metres of a structure on an Adjoining Owner’s land.

Typically, the Building Owner bears the costs associated with issuing the Party Wall Notices and whatever follows, including the fees for the surveyor appointed by the Adjoining Owner. However, there are exceptions to this rule if, for example, the proposed works are to address defects or repairs to a shared structure. In such cases, both Building and Adjoining owners may share the costs.

A Party Wall Award is a legally binding document which sets out the rights and obligations of Building and Adjoining Owners under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. A Party Wall surveyor draws up and issues the Awards, which address aspects of the building project that fall under the Act and how they must be executed to minimise the risk of damage and disruption to the Adjoining Owner and their property.