When Do You Need a Party Wall Agreement?

If you’re planning an extension, a loft conversion, or digging a basement, you may need a Party Wall Agreement.

A party wall is a wall shared between you and your neighbour—typically in terraced or semi-detached homes. In gardens, this also includes shared boundary walls or any excavations made within three to six metres of a neighbouring property.

What Is a Party Wall Notice?

Before you can begin any work, you must serve your neighbour a Party Wall Notice. This can be done by a professional surveyor for a fee, or you can complete and deliver it yourself using one of the many templates available online.

You must give your neighbour between one and two months’ notice before the work begins, depending on the type of project.

The notice must include:

• A clear description of the proposed work

• Plans and drawings (especially if you plan to lay special foundations that may extend onto your neighbour’s land)

How to Deliver the Notice

You can send the notice by post, but a more considerate approach is to deliver it in person. This allows you to explain the nature of the work and how it may affect them.

You can also refer them to the official government booklet (available on Gov.uk), which provides useful information. Giving them a copy can help reassure and inform them about their rights.

What If There’s a Disagreement?

If your neighbour either doesn’t respond or refuses consent, you’ll need to obtain a Party Wall Award.

This is a report prepared by an independent surveyor (not the one working on your project). You and your neighbour can:

• Agree to use a single surveyor (cheapest option – expect around £1,000)

• Appoint separate surveyors (you pay for both – likely to cost around £2,000)

If your neighbour refuses to appoint a surveyor, you must appoint one on their behalf.

What Happens After the Award?

Once the surveyor has completed their assessment, they will issue the Party Wall Award, stating whether or not the work can proceed.

If approved, you must wait two months and one day from the date of the award before starting work. This allows a 14-day appeal window, during which your neighbour can challenge the decision in the county court.

If they appeal, you’ll need to wait for the court’s ruling before proceeding.