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The Party Wall etc. Act 1996

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 enables property works to take place whilst protecting adjoining owners. The obligation is on the owner who wishes to undertake works. They must notify neighbours in writing of the proposed works. When applicable, the Act provides statutory procedures for appointing surveyors. The Surveyors then resolve matters by way of a “party wall award”. An award lists the format, the owner undertaking the work is required to adopt. It does not allow an adjoining owner to prevent a building owner from exercising their rights to conduct work under the Act, however, it does ensure that the works are performed in a manner that protects the adjoining owners’ interests.

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 Covers Three Different Types of Work

1. Works directly to a Party Wall, Party Structure or Party Fence Wall

2. Excavations within 3m or 6m to a depth lower than the adjoining owner’s (the neighbour’s) foundations

3. New walls built up to, or astride, the line of junction

How it Works

We have developed a simple and effective 3-step process to help you achieve success with your Party Wall Surveying need.

Building Owner

I am planning to undertake Works

STEP 1

Get a free, no-obligation fixed-price quote by simply emailing us your plans or drawings. It’s that easy!

STEP 2

Get your project moving without delay! With our lightning-fast service, you’ll receive your fixed-price quote within just 30 minutes.

STEP 3

Speak with our expert team to get all your questions answered and make informed decisions about your project.

Adjoining Owner

My neighbour is planning works

STEP 1

Get peace of mind with a free, no-obligation discussion. Email us your Party Wall Notice today and chat with our expert team in no time!

STEP 2

Our speedy service ensures you’ll never be left waiting for long. Within just 30 minutes, you will be speaking with an expert. Count on us for a quick response!

STEP 3

Empower yourself to make the best decisions for your home! Our expert team will provide you with all the information you need to weigh your options and proceed with confidence. Get in touch today and take the first step towards your peace of mind.

What is a Party Wall Notice?

Party Wall Notices are served by the property owner undertaking the construction works, or their chosen representative. The Party Wall Notice gives the neighbouring owner the legal right to select one of three Party Wall Notice responses:

1. Consent To The Party Wall Notice

This means that the adjoining owner reserves the protections of the Party Wall etc Act 1996, allowing the you (building owner) to commence with your proposed construction work.

2. Dissent And Appoint A Party Wall Surveyor To Act On My Behalf

When adjoining owner’s dissent to Party Wall Notice’s they are invoking the formalities and protections set out by the Party Wall etc Act 1996. Choosing to appoint their own Party Wall Surveyor, will make the building owner duty-bound to appoint a Party Wall Surveyor, the two appointed Party Wall Surveyors will follow the required procedures and agree a Party Wall Award legally protecting both owners.

3. Dissent And Appoint An Agreed Party Wall Surveyor

This option mirrors the second Party Wall Notice response. The only difference being, one Party Wall Surveyor acts impartially on behalf of both yourself (building owner) and the adjoining owner.

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    National Party Wall Surveying Helpline

    020 7493 9087

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    Contact our support line and speak to a party wall expert expert.

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    Party Wall Surveyors Role

    Expert Consultation

    Our Party Wall Surveying experts guide you through your construction project, ensuring compliance with the Party Wall Act while streamlining the process and minimising disputes.

    Serving Notice

    We prepare and serve clear, concise, and legally compliant Party Wall Notices, enhancing the chances of gaining consent from your neighbours while outlining the project’s impact.

    Surveyor Appointment

    If adjoining owners request a surveyor, our skilled Party Wall Surveyors represent your interests and collaborate with others to ensure fair and impartial resolutions for both parties.

    Crafting the Party Wall Award

    Our surveyors carefully assess proposed works and draft a thorough Party Wall Award, providing you with peace of mind and confidence to move forward with your project.

    Monitoring and Ensuring Compliance

    Our Party Wall Surveyors monitor construction progress, ensuring compliance with the Party Wall Award, and verifying proper completion without damage to adjoining properties.

    Professional Standards That Protect Your Project

    Our team holds recognised memberships, regulation and dispute resolution training across surveying, construction and mediation. These credentials support clear advice, professional accountability and confident decisions throughout your party wall matter.

    RICS
    Accredited Surveyors

    Professional and recognised standards for surveying practice, conduct and accountability.

    CABE
    Accredited Surveyors

    Built environment knowledge supporting quality, safety and practical technical advice.

    CIArb
    Accredited Surveyors

    Dispute resolution membership supporting fair, balanced and constructive outcomes.

    Trained. Accredited. Accountable.

    We work to recognised professional standards so you can move forward with greater confidence from start to finish.

    Speak to a Surveyor →

    Party Wall etc Act 1996 Notifiable Construction works

    Loft Conversion

    A Loft Conversion is a common type of construction work, that falls within the remit of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and require Party Wall Notices to be issued. Loft Conversions commonly invoke two sections of the Party Wall Act, first is due to the removal of the existing roof, thereby exposing the Party Wall. Second, cutting into the Party Wall for the insertion of the steel support beams.

    Internal Works

    There are various internal works that fall within the remit of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and require Party Wall Notices to be issued. The most common is Chimney Breast removal. Both cutting away the Chimney Breast attached to the Party Wall, and the associated support, for the remaining stack or breast, are covered by the Party Wall etc Act 1996.

    Home Extension

    Home extensions are the most common type of construction work that falls within the remit of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, they often require Party Wall Notices to be issued. Home extensions commonly invoke two sections of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. The first relates to the excavation for the foundations of the extension. Second, is dependent on the location of the extensions flank wall, if this is built up to or astride the boundary line, this will require the service of Party Wall Notices.

    New Walls

    Construction of new walls can fall under the remit of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, and often require Party Wall Notices to be issued. If a new wall is being up to, or astride the boundary line. A Party Wall Notices will be required under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This will also facilitate access to the adjoining owners land, to ensure the wall is completed safely and to a good standard.

    Basement Conversions

    Basement Conversions fall within the remit of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and require Party Wall Notices to be issued. When undertaking a basement extension, both the deep excavations and underpinning to the existing Party Wall or adjoining owner’s wall, are what the industry call higher risk works. It’s common practice to have a checking engineer appointed and Security for Expenses requested by an adjoining owner’s Surveyor.

    Other Works

    The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 covers various types of works, commonly misunderstood to fall within the Acts remit. Want to know more? Give us a call now, we are more than happy to discuss your Party Wall Surveying requirements.

    FAQs

    We’ve compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions from our clients to make sure you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about your project. From pricing to scheduling, we’ve got you covered.

    Plus, with our expert team on hand to address any additional questions or concerns you may have, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands.

    Don’t let uncertainty hold you back – check out our FAQ section today and get the answers you need to succeed!


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      What is a Party Wall Surveyor?

      A Party Wall Surveyor administers Party Wall Surveying Procedures on behalf of their appointing owner, this could be the Building Owner (owner undertaking works) or Adjoining Owner (neighbouring property to works).

      A Party Wall Surveyor’s role is to ensure Building Owner’s work proposes the minimal risk possible to the Adjoining Owner’s property as well as ensuring it is fully protected from the proposed construction works.

      The time to complete Party Wall Surveying Procedures can vary depending upon a number of different variables including:

      • The construction works.
      • Party Wall Notice, response times.
      • Access is granted, to undertake the Schedule of Condition Report.
      • Party Wall Surveyors handling the file
      • Surveyors agreement to clauses within the Party Wall Award

      Generally speaking, 1 – 3 months from the point at which the Party Wall Notices are served upon the Adjoining Owner.

      Party Wall Surveying costs / Surveyor’s fees will vary dependent on the construction works taking place as well as the types of property the works are being undertaken on.

      Here at Icon Surveyors, both our Building Owner Party Wall Surveyor and Agreed Party Wall Surveyor jobs are competitively priced at a fixed cost.

      A Party Wall Award is a legal document that is both drafted and agreed upon by either an Agreed Surveyor or two respective Party Wall Surveyors.

      Party Wall Awards are served upon completion of the Party Wall Surveying Procedures. The Party Wall Award gives the Building Owner the legal right to commence the construction works covered within the Party Wall etc Act 1996.

      The Party Wall Award, includes various clauses governing the construction works,  ensuring the risks posed to the Adjoining Owner’s properties are  kept to a minimum.

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