Party Wall Act 1996 · London

Party Wall Services

Building near a shared boundary? We handle the whole Party Wall process — notices, schedules of condition, drawings and awards — so your works start on time and stay lawful.

£149+From, notices

2 monthsNotice period

10+ daysAward turnaround

Get a Free Quote Call 020 8050 4084

The basics

What is a Party Wall?

A party wall is a shared wall or boundary structure that divides two properties — common in attached and semi-detached buildings across London. It creates privacy and defines where one property ends and the next begins.

Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, if your works affect a shared wall or boundary — or involve excavating near a neighbour's foundations — you must formally notify the adjoining owner before you begin. We make sure that's done correctly.

🏠 Terraced Houses

🏡 Semi-Detached Homes

🏢 Flats & Duplexes

🏗 Boundary & Garden Walls

Do you need one?

When the Party Wall Act Applies

You'll typically need to serve notice if your project involves any of the following.

🧱

Work on a Shared Wall

Cutting into, raising, thickening or rebuilding a party wall — e.g. inserting beams for a loft or extension.

📐

Building at the Boundary

Constructing a new wall up to or astride the line of junction between the two properties.

⛏

Excavation Nearby

Digging foundations within 3m (and up to 6m) of a neighbour's structure, below their foundation level.

🚧

Extensions & Conversions

Rear/side extensions, loft conversions and basements that touch or undermine a shared structure.

The right notice

Three Types of Party Wall Notice

SECTION 1

Line of Junction Notice

For building a new wall on or at the boundary line between your land and your neighbour's. Served at least 1 month before.

SECTION 3

Party Structure Notice

For works to an existing party wall or structure — cutting in, raising or rebuilding. Served at least 2 months before.

SECTION 6

Adjacent Excavation Notice

For excavating near a neighbour's foundations within 3m or 6m. Served at least 1 month before works begin.

How it works

The Party Wall Process

Assess

We confirm whether the Act applies and which notices are required.

Serve Notice

Compliant notices prepared and served on adjoining owners.

Respond

Neighbour consents or dissents; surveyor(s) appointed if needed.

Schedule & Award

Schedule of condition recorded; a Party Wall Award is agreed and signed.

Build

Works proceed lawfully, protected by the agreed award.

Transparent pricing

Party Wall Packages

Fixed-fee party wall services — choose the level of support your project needs.

Essentials

Party Wall Notice Service

£149+ VAT

Review of whether the Act applies
Correct notice type identified
Notices prepared & served
Plain-English guidance throughout

Get Started

Recent Drawings & Projects

A selection of the architectural and structural work behind our party wall matters.

3D Visualisation — Proposed

3D Views — Extension

Elevations — Existing & Proposed

Floor & Roof Plans

Site & Location Plan

Structural Drawing

Explore Our Projects →

Good to know

Party Wall FAQs

Who owns a party wall?

Party walls are often jointly owned by the two property owners. Both parties have rights and responsibilities regarding the wall's upkeep and any alterations made to it.

Can I make changes to a party wall?

Before any alterations — drilling, removing parts of the wall, or adding extensions — you must get consent from the neighbouring owner. The Party Wall Act 1996 requires formal notification and, in some cases, the appointment of a surveyor.

How much notice do I have to give my neighbour?

For party structure works, at least 2 months before works begin. For line-of-junction and adjacent-excavation notices, at least 1 month. The notice sets out the scope, timeline and any potential impact.

What happens if my neighbour dissents or doesn't respond?

If they dissent or don't respond within 14 days, a dispute is deemed to have arisen and surveyor(s) are appointed to agree a Party Wall Award — which we handle for you.

What is a Party Wall Award?

A legal document, prepared by the surveyor(s), that sets out the works, how and when they'll be carried out, a record of the neighbour's property condition, and access rights — protecting both owners.

Do I need a party wall surveyor?

If the adjoining owner consents in writing you may not need one. If they dissent or stay silent, a surveyor is required. We can act as the Agreed Surveyor for both parties to keep costs down.

Need party wall help?

Get a Free Party Wall Review

Tell us about your project and we'll confirm whether the Party Wall Act applies, which notices you need, and a fixed fee — usually the same day.