The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 Explained
A practical guide to when the Act applies, the three main types of notice and what happens after notice is served.
Section 1
New walls built astride or up to the line of junction between properties.
Section 3
Work to an existing party structure, including cutting in steel beams or removing chimney breasts.
Section 6
Certain excavation within 3 metres or 6 metres of a neighbouring building, subject to depth tests.
Work commonly covered
Rear and side extensions, loft conversions, structural openings, steel beams, chimney-breast removal, raising a party wall, new boundary walls and qualifying foundation excavation may require notice. Ordinary internal decorating and many non-structural works do not.
What happens after notice?
Your neighbour consents
Written consent may allow the project to proceed after the applicable notice requirements are satisfied.
Your neighbour dissents
Surveyors are appointed and agree an Award setting out how relevant work may proceed.
Your neighbour does not respond
A deemed dispute can arise after the statutory response period, allowing the appointment process to continue.
Unsure Whether the Act Applies?
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