Party Wall Guidance & Document Templates
This Party Wall Guidance & Document Templates folder can be used where works are proposed to a party wall.
The folder contains guidance notes on the requirements of the Party Wall etc Act 1996 and provides an example party wall notice and acknowledgment with explanatory notes.
The guidance notes provides an overview of:
- what constitutes party wall works;
- when a party wall agreement is needed;
- Serving a party wall notice and acknowledgment; and
- The party wall dispute process and appointment of a party wall surveyor to make an award.
Party Wall Guidance & Document Templates is part of Property. Just £38.50 + VAT provides unlimited downloads from Property for 1 year.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am planning building work near my neighbour's wall or boundary. Do I have to tell them?
Often yes. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 makes you serve notice on the adjoining owner before certain works, such as cutting into or rebuilding a shared wall, building on the boundary line or excavating near their building. The guidance here explains what counts as party wall work so you can tell whether your project needs a notice before it starts.
How much notice do I have to give my neighbour?
It depends on the work. You must give at least two months' notice before work to an existing party structure, such as cutting into or rebuilding a shared wall. For building a new wall on the boundary line, or for excavating near your neighbour's building, at least one month's notice is required. Serve the right notice in good time, because the periods run before you can lawfully start.
What happens if my neighbour objects to the notice or ignores it?
A dispute is treated as having arisen. If the adjoining owner dissents, or does not consent within fourteen days of your notice, the Act deems a dispute and the parties resolve it through surveyors. You can agree a single surveyor or each appoint your own, and they then make a party wall award. Silence therefore does not let you start; it triggers the surveyor process.
What does a party wall award decide, and can it be challenged?
The award settles the disputed work: what can be done, how and when, a record of the neighbouring property's condition and how the surveyors' costs are shared. It is binding once served, but either owner can appeal to the county court within fourteen days of being served. The court can uphold, change or set aside the award and decide costs.
Who pays for the party wall surveyors?
Usually the owner doing the work. Because the works are generally for the building owner's benefit, that owner normally bears the reasonable cost of the surveyors and the award. Where part of the work is done at the adjoining owner's request, that owner pays for those parts. The surveyors settle who pays what in the award itself.