Party Wall Agreement

A legal agreement between neighbouring property owners required before carrying out renovation work that affects a shared (party) wall, governed in the UK by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

A party wall agreement (formally called a “party wall award”) is a legal document that must be in place before you carry out renovation work affecting a party wall — a wall shared with a neighbouring property. In England and Wales, this is governed by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

When you need a party wall agreement

You must serve a party wall notice on your neighbour if you plan to:

  • Build on or at the boundary between properties
  • Cut into a party wall — for example, to insert a beam or remove a chimney breast
  • Demolish and rebuild a party wall
  • Excavate within 3 or 6 metres of a neighbouring building (depending on the depth)
  • Carry out structural work that connects to or affects the shared wall

The party wall process

  1. Serve a notice — you write to your neighbour(s) describing the proposed work, giving at least 2 months’ notice for building work or 1 month for excavation
  2. Neighbour responds — they can consent (no further action needed) or dissent
  3. If they dissent — both parties appoint a party wall surveyor (or agree on a single surveyor)
  4. Surveyor prepares the award — a document recording the condition of the neighbouring property, the planned work, and any protective measures
  5. Work proceeds — in accordance with the terms of the award

Cost

If your neighbour consents, the process is free (you just send a letter). If they dissent and surveyors are involved, you typically pay for both your own surveyor and your neighbour’s surveyor. Costs usually range from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds, depending on complexity.

Common misconceptions

  • A party wall agreement is not the same as planning permission — you may need both
  • Your neighbour cannot stop you doing the work — the Act gives you the right to carry out certain works, but protects your neighbour’s property
  • Consent doesn’t have to be in writing — but it’s strongly recommended to get written consent to avoid disputes later

Tips for homeowners

  • Serve notice early — the party wall process takes time and can delay your project start date
  • Be courteous — explain the work in person before serving formal notice
  • Budget for surveyor fees — include them in your renovation budget
  • Take photos of your neighbour’s property before work begins as a condition record