Party Wall Act Questions

This is an enabling Act, which covers certain works to party walls, party fence walls, party structures, and excavations within specified distances of adjoining owners ‘structures’.

This depends on how the garden walls are constructed (i.e. materials), the proposed works, and the distance away from the garden walls, that any excavations are proposed. The garden walls may be in single legal ownership, or be astride the boundary between two or more properties. This also affects the application of the Party wall Act.

This is a written document, that sets out key pieces of information about proposed works that fall within the remit of the Party wall Act. They are the way in which affected neighbours are notified about the works, and should describe the options that the neighbor has, in responding to the Notice, or notices.

Find out more about Party Wall Notices.

This will depend on the position of the extension, relative to the boundary with your own property, and also the proximity of any structures on the boundary, or neighbouring land.

A follow up letter can be written (following the processes and timescales contained within the Act), and if necessary, a party wall Surveyor can be appointed to act on the neighbours behalf, if they continue not to respond.

The Award usually ceases to apply if the party wall works aren’t commenced within a year of the Award being signed. Also, if the Building Owner changes (if they convey their interest in the property), the Award ceases to be valid, and the ‘new’ Building Owner has to start the process again.

Not unless you are selling your property when you receive a Notice, or there is a problem that can’t be resolved by party wall Surveyors. Solicitor involvement in party wall matters is often not necessary.

Each Surveyor, and Surveying firm differ, and it is worth contacting them direct in advance of instructing a party wall Surveyor, to ascertain the likely costs of all parts of the process (such as serving Notices, compiling a Schedule of Condition etc).

For more information on Party Wall Surveyor cost.