What is the Party Wall etc. Act?

When you share a wall with a neighbour, it’s easy for disputes to arise when one property owner decides to carry out building work. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 was put in place to help reduce and resolve such disputes, and to provide rights not originally enjoyed under common law. 

The key points of the Party Wall Act require you to:

• Inform a neighbour of any building work that may affect the shared boundary.
• Allow them the opportunity to safeguard their interests.
• Create a party wall agreement so all parties are happy and their rights are protected.

If you don’t adhere to the Act’s rules, you may have to stop your construction work or even pay your neighbour damages.

How do I know if my project affects a party wall?

Whether you’re planning an attic conversion, extending a property, or changing a townhouse into a block of flats, it can sometimes be tricky to know which walls count as party boundaries.

In some cases, it’s fairly clear. You may, for instance, live in a terraced house and plan to knock down a chimney breast on the adjoining wall. Alternatively, you may plan to knock down a garden wall between your property and a neighbour’s to build a garage. In both of these situations, your project affects a party wall, so you’d need to follow the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

Other work that usually requires you to serve party wall notices and potentially write out a party wall agreement include:

• Excavating the ground within 3-6 metres of any adjoining owners’ structure.
• Building a new wall up to the boundary or a new party wall astride the boundary.
• Damp-proofing a party wall.
• Any work that will affect shared floors.

If you’re unsure whether your construction work is likely to count as a party wall matter, our surveyors are here to provide party wall advice in Essex. Get in touch with our team for support.

How can a party wall surveyor in Essex help with my property?

Although it’s possible to draw up party wall notices yourself, it’s a wise idea to speak with a qualified surveyor. They’ll be able to guide you, ensuring your project is compliant and can handle any disputes in the most effective and amicable way.

Our founder, Robert Turner, is a RICS-registered party wall surveyor based in Chelmsford. As a member of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors, party wall matters are Robert’s specialism. He ensures every property owner is treated fairly to provide the best outcome for all. Together with the rest of the team, he provides a comprehensive range of architectural and party wall services across Essex and the South East.

Working with homeowners, businesses, local authorities, and a whole host of other clients, we can:

• Carry out party wall surveys to see if your work will affect a shared boundary and to what extent.
• Write up party wall agreements to help reduce the risk of any disputes before work starts and issues arise.
• Serve your neighbours with a party wall notice so they are fully aware of your project intentions.
• Handle any conflicts that may occur if a neighbour disputes your work.
• Offer free party wall advice — if you have any questions at all, please feel free to get in touch and speak with one of our friendly team members.

My neighbour’s construction project affects a shared boundary — what can I do?

Has your neighbour started work on a party wall without letting you know? Perhaps they’ve served notice of their proposed project, but you’re not happy with how it will affect the shared boundary.

If you have any concerns at all, our experienced party wall surveyors in Essex can offer the support you need. We’ll do everything we can to make sure you and your neighbours can come to a peaceful resolution.

Areas we cover

Our party wall surveyors provide party wall services across various locations in Essex. We have party wall surveyors in Brentwood, party wall surveyors in Chelmsford, and party wall surveyors in Southend on Sea, who can help you navigate building projects of all sizes. Our services also cover Braintree, Saffron Walden, Harlow, Loughton, Maldon and more.