The Homeowner’s Guide to Party Wall Agreements in the UK

When you need one, what it involves, and how to avoid neighbour disputes.

What is the Party Wall Act?

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is a piece of UK legislation that provides a framework for preventing and resolving disputes between neighbours when building work affects shared walls, boundaries, or structures.

It applies to:

  • Walls shared between terraced or semi-detached houses

  • Boundary walls between two properties

  • Excavations near neighbouring buildings

When Does the Party Wall Act Apply?

You may need to serve a Party Wall Notice if you plan to:

  • Build a new wall on or at the boundary line

  • Work on an existing party wall (cutting into it, raising it, underpinning it)

  • Excavate within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building and below its foundations

  • Excavate within 6 metres for deeper foundations (depending on depth/angle)

Tip: Even small projects like loft conversions or extensions can trigger the Act if steel beams or excavations are involved.

What is a Party Wall Notice?

A formal written notice to your neighbour describing:

  • The work you plan to do

  • When it will start

  • How it might affect the shared wall or their property

You must serve notice at least 1–2 months before work begins (timing depends on type of work).

What Happens After You Serve Notice?

Your neighbour can:

  1. Consent – Work can proceed without a formal agreement (but keep everything in writing).

  2. Dissent and appoint their own surveyor – A formal Party Wall Award is created.

  3. Dissent and agree to a single joint surveyor – More cost-effective and faster.

If there’s dissent, the surveyor(s) prepare a Party Wall Award detailing:

  • The work allowed

  • How it must be carried out

  • Access arrangements

  • Schedules of condition (photos and notes of existing condition)

Who Pays for the Party Wall Surveyor?

In almost all cases, the building owner doing the work pays the surveyor fees for both sides.

Typical costs:

  • One surveyor (agreed) – £900–£1,500

  • Two surveyors – £1,800–£3,000+

What Happens if I Don’t Follow the Party Wall Act?

If you start work without following the process, your neighbour could:

  • Seek a court injunction to stop your work

  • Claim damages for any issues caused

  • Delay your project significantly

Party Wall Timeline

Stage Timeframe

Serve notice 2 months before work

Neighbour response 14 days

Surveyor appointment & Award 6 weeks

Start work (after agreement) As per Award

Common Party Wall Mistakes to Avoid

  • Serving notice too late

  • Starting work without an agreement

  • Not documenting the existing condition of neighbour’s property

  • Choosing a surveyor without relevant Party Wall Act experience

Party Wall & Your Architect

Your architect can:

  • Spot early if the Act applies

  • Prepare accurate drawings for the notice

  • Recommend experienced surveyors

  • Coordinate the process so it doesn’t delay your build

Need advice on whether your project needs a Party Wall Agreement?

I offer a £150 on-site consultation to review your plans, check if the Act applies, and recommend the best next steps.

To Book Your Consultation: Email at studio@natureworksdesign.co.uk or call me on 0203 304 2338.