Party Wall Agreements: Everything You Need to Know

In many cases, party walls are not as fun as they sound - but that doesn’t mean they should cause you any stress. Read on to become more informed on what a party wall is and when you may need a party wall agreement.



What is a party wall?

A party wall is a wall that sits directly on the boundary of land between two (and sometimes more) different owners. This could include:

●     The walls that separate terraced or semi-detached houses

●     The walls that make up the boundary between two gardens (party fence walls)

The Party Wall Act

The Party Wall Act 1996 was devised to prevent building work that could compromise the structural integrity of any shared wall or adjoining properties. This Act can be used to prevent neighbourly disputes and to help resolve them if they do arise.

What is a party wall agreement?

You will need a party wall agreement if you are planning to carry out any building work near or on a party wall. You should inform your neighbours of your plans, provide them with a Party Wall Notice and come up with a Party Wall Agreement in writing. If you are considering getting any of the work below carried out, you may need to obtain a party wall agreement:

●     Any work to shared walls (party walls) between semi-detached and terraced houses.

●     Work involving shared ‘party structures’, such as floors between flats.

●     Work to garden boundary walls.

●     Excavation works – or underpinning – to, or close by (within 3-6m), the party wall.

●     Loft conversions that mean cutting into a party wall.

●     Inserting a damp proof course into a party wall.

●     Making party walls thicker or higher.

●     Building a second-storey extension above a shared wall.

●     Building a new wall up to or off the party wall.

Remember, a Party Wall Notice should be given to your neighbours to notify them of the works you intend to carry out to the wall in question. They should receive this between two months and a year in advance of the work starting. If, after serving notice, your neighbour refuses consent or fails to respond, you are in dispute. In situations like this, a party wall surveyor will be a helpful port of call. You could appoint a surveyor to work for both of you, or each appoint your own. The surveyor will arrange a Party Wall Award, setting out details of the work - this is a legal document that sets out what, how and when work can be carried out and who will pay for it.

If you’re based in Birmingham and wish to finalise a party wall agreement with the help of a reliable and affordable party wall surveyor, choose Integrated Designs & Associates. Our highly experienced team of residential structural engineers have extensive experience with resolving complex property disputes - to find a structural surveyor, get in touch today.