Often seen as an extra hurdle, they are a crucial safeguard for both you and your neighbours when undertaking building work near or on a shared boundary.

So, when is a Party Wall agreement needed?

If you are planning on an extension or major alterations on your property, which means you may be undertaking excavations within 3 or 6 metres of your neighbour’s structure, or intend insert new steel beams to support say a loft conversion into a shared party wall or you intend to remove a chimney breast and or support the remainder you will need to have a party wall agreement in place.

Why is it so important to get a Party Wall Agreement in place?

• Protects Your Property: It provides a documented record of the condition of your neighbour’s property before work commences, offering vital protection against unfounded claims of damage.
• Protects Your Neighbour’s Property: Similarly, it ensures your neighbour’s property rights are respected and provides a clear process for addressing any legitimate damage caused by your works.
• Prevents Costly Disputes: By clearly outlining the scope of works, responsibilities, and potential remedies, a Party Wall Agreement significantly reduces the risk of disagreements escalating into expensive legal battles.
• Ensures Compliance: Failure to adhere to the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 can lead to legal action and potential delays to your project.
• Provides Peace of Mind: Knowing that a formal agreement is in place allows all parties to proceed with greater confidence and clarity. The obtaining of professional advice will mean you have an initial assessment of the proposals, the identification of safe guards to be considered, the provision of a schedule of conditions (written and photographic record), assessment of the documents to be prepared and included within the Award (rights and obligation of the parties). The Award should be accompanied by the relevant Architectural / Structural Engineers Details, the Schedule of Conditions
• Please don’t download a template from the internet; always obtain professional advice before undertaking home improvement projects highlighted.

As a UK surveyor who provides party wall professional services for those persons commissioned projects and those neighbouring owners who have received notice under the `Act`.

There is no greater benefit of engaging a qualified party wall surveyor early in your project or in response to a notice who can save you significant time, money, clarity and stress in the long run.