Insight & commentary.
Practical writing on the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 — notices, awards, evidence, costs and the procedural detail that matters on real projects.
The Biggest Mistakes Homeowners Make When Getting a Party Wall Agreement
If the Party Wall process has come up on your project, it is very easy to treat it like just another admin step. Some people do. They assume they just need someone to serve the notice, get the paperwork done, and move…
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What to expect during a party wall surveyor’s inspection?
In the previous blog, we explained what a Schedule of Condition is and why it plays a key role within the Party Wall process. It is important to understand, however, that a Party Wall surveyor’s inspection goes beyond…
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What is a schedule of condition?
During the Party Wall process, a key point in the procedure is the ‘Schedule of Condition’ (sometimes referred to as a ‘SOC’). The meaning of this is quite self-explanatory, being a ‘schedule of condition’, which…
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When Should You Put a Party Wall Agreement in Place?
Getting the Timing Right A common question we hear from homeowners and small developers is when to start the Party Wall process. It usually comes up once planning permission is sorted, building control drawings are…
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What is a Party Wall?
There’s plenty of information out there about Party Wall Agreements and Party Wall Awards, yet many people still find themselves unsure when it comes to understanding what a Party Wall actually is. As Party Wall…
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What is in a Party Wall Award?
Many of our blogs speak on the frequently asked questions around Party Wall Matters and many times in which, the infamous ‘Party Wall Award’ is discussed; albeit many of our clients ask us what the Party…
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How long is a Party Wall Award valid for?
One of the most common questions we deal with is: how long does a Party Wall Award actually remain valid? The answer depends not just on the Act itself but also on how the Award has been drafted for the specific…
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Can a Party Wall Surveyor resign?
When you appoint a Party Wall Surveyor, you’re putting a lot of trust in them to guide you through what can often be a complicated process. Understandably, one of the most common questions we’re asked is:“Can my…
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Do You Need a Party Wall Agreement? | Complete Guide to the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
Planning building work near your neighbour’s property? If your project involves a shared wall, boundary wall, or excavation close to a neighbouring building, you’ve probably heard of a party wall agreement. But is it…
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Can A Party Wall Agreement be verbal?
If you’re planning works that affect a shared wall or structure with your neighbour — like an extension, loft conversion, or basement — you might be wondering if a quick chat and a verbal "yes" is enough to…
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Who is responsible of the cost of a Party Wall Agreement?
A common question regarding Party Wall Agreements is: who bears the cost? The straightforward answer is the Building Owner. Within the framework of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, the term Building Owner refers to the…
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Why have a party wall agreement?
When planning a renovation or extension, it’s natural to focus on the result. However, if your project affects a shared wall or boundary, a key legal step is the Party Wall Agreement. This agreement, mandated by the…
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When is a Party Wall Surveyor required?
Many people ask the question of when a Party Wall Surveyor is needed, in this article we will break it down in simple terms for a better understanding. Firstly, before diving into when a Party Wall Surveyor is needed; we…
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Can a Party Wall Agreement be refused?
The short answer is yes, an adjoining property owner can refuse to consent to a party wall agreement. However, it's crucial to understand the reasons behind such a refusal and the legal implications involved. The…
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What is the role of a Party Wall Surveyor?
When embarking on construction work near or on a boundary line, understanding the role of a Party Wall Surveyor can be pivotal. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 introduced the need for homeowners to consider the impact of…
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