The safeguard for neighbours when one wants to do work to their property which could affect the other(s).
This law imposes duties on those with an interest in one building to notify their neighbour of their intention to carry out works which might affect a party structure like a chimney, or a party wall (which can include garden walls). Duties are also imposed where a neighbour's foundations might be affected.
If a Party Wall Notice has been served on you, don’t ignore it. Please contact us for a free no obligation initial discussion.
Works which might require a Party Wall Award include;
This list is not exhaustive.
The person wishing to undertake the works is known as ‘The Building Owner’. The person who will be affected by the works is known as ‘The Adjoining Owner’. The Building Owner must serve notice(s) with prescribed content on the Adjoining Owner(s).
If agreement cannot be reached, surveyors can be appointed. Notices often have to be served on both the occupier(s) and the landlord of neighbouring property, ie two or more notices of the same type relating to one building may need to be served.
If you are considering having works done to your property which might affect a party wall, party structure or your neighbour’s foundations don’t steam ahead without finding out what your duties are. You could end up with a court injunction stopping your work.
Talk to a Party Wall Surveyor, please contact us –
or, for a Party Wall Surveyor in your area,
refer to the RICS Find a Surveyor scheme .
Typically notices will be needed, a schedule of condition of the Adjoining Owner’s property and/or the party structure is usually undertaken, all leading to a Party Wall Award.
This protects the rights of the neighbour, makes identification of new defects (eg cracks) simple and can agree things such as site working hours, method and noise.
