Party Wall Advice
for Adjoining Owners
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What the Act gives you

The Act gives adjoining owners a structured process, information and practical protections — but those protections have limits.
Clear, practical guidanceThis article is written for adjoining owners. For advice about your own notice, award or neighbour’s works, speak to Coburns Party Wall.
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Advance notice

For notifiable work carried out through the Act, the process normally starts with written notice before the relevant work begins.

A dispute-resolution process

Where a statutory dispute arises, surveyors can be appointed to determine matters within their jurisdiction and make an award.

Conditions on time and manner

An award can regulate how and when relevant work is carried out and can include proportionate protective measures.

Compensation and other protections

The Act contains mechanisms dealing with loss or damage resulting from work carried out in pursuance of the Act and, in appropriate cases, security for expenses.

Evidence

A schedule of condition is not itself a statutory entitlement, but it is commonly used because it provides a useful record of the adjoining property before work begins.

Key takeaway

The strongest protection is usually a combination of clear information, a proportionate award and a good record of the property before work starts.

This page provides general information about the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and common practice. It is not legal advice and does not replace advice on the facts of a particular matter.