A Party Wall is a wall which separates buildings owned by two (or more) different owners. The Party Wall may stand astride the boundary line or be situated entirely on one owner/s land.
Type A Party Wall - A wall is a "Party Wall" when it stands astride the boundary of land belonging to two (or more) different owners. A Party Wall may be part of one building, separates two (or more) buildings (Please refer to Diagram 1).
Type B Party Wall - A wall is also a "party wall" when it stands wholly on on one of the owners' land but is used by both (or more) owners for the purpose of separating their buildings (Please refer to Diagram 2). Type B Party Walls are common where an owner has built the wall and their neighbour builds against the existing wall without constructing a new wall.
Party Fence Wall - A wall is a Party Fence Wall when it stands astride the boundary line between lands owned by different owners for the purpose of separating those lands but are not part of a building (Please refer to Diagram 3). This type of wall includes a garden wall but does not include timber or metal fencing, despite having 'fence' within its name.
Party Structure - The Act also uses "Party Structure" expression. This is term used to describe a wall, floor partition, ceiling or other structure which separates buildings or parts of buildings approached by separate entrances or staircases such as in flats (Please refer to Diagram 4).
If you intend to carry out works directly to a party wall, a party structure or party fence wall, you are required to serve notice upon your neighbour at least 2 months before the commencement of works (or earlier by agreement) under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
At UNEK Building Consultants, we are able to help you through the complete process, from serving Party Wall Notices, carrying out Schedule of Condition reports and drawing up Party Wall Awards.
If you would like to discuss your project or request a quotation, fill in the 'Request a Party Wall Quick Quote' form and one of our specialist party wall surveyors will be in touch.