The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is an area of property law which relates to shared walls or structures and building work close to boundaries or adjacent buildings.
The Act is often misunderstood or overlooked by developers and building owners when undertaking building work. This can lead to neighbourly disputes and complications during or after the project.
The legislation provides rights and procedures for both the developer and the adjoining owners or occupiers for works to party walls or at building boundaries.
The aim of the act is to resolve issues that may arise from the proposed work, protect the rights of the parties involved and to avoid disputes.
You can download the Government’s explanatory booklet for further information.
Commercial developments frequently invoke sections of the Act involving multiple parties, and the incorrect approach or failure to adhere to the legislation can create significant project delays. Our expert guidance will remove the delays and ensure compliance with the laws.
We provide representation for both the building owner undertaking the work and the adjoining owners whose property may be affected by the works.
We will guide you through the complexities of the Act, make certain the critical timescales are adhered to and strive to achieve amicable solutions to the challenges posed by the party wall works.
For building owners, we will advise upon the aspects of the project that fall within the remit of the Act, assist the development team in identifying measures to protect adjoining property and engage at an early stage with your neighbours to achieve an amicable outcome.
For adjoining owners, we will assess the proposed works and ensure your rights under the Act are observed, in particular ensuring that the precautions to prevent damage are implemented.
Our services include verifying the proper appointment of surveyors in the roles defined in the Act, issue and response to Party Wall Notices on behalf of the parties involved, completion of Party Wall Award agreements and monitoring of works.
A Party Wall Award is a legally binding document that describes the proposed works, method of undertaking the works and checks that works have been completed accordingly.
We have a depth of experience in Party Wall advice, from city centre developments to niche small scale extensions. Regardless of the size of the project, the principals of the Act apply and the procedures must be followed.
Each project requires a bespoke approach and expert surveyor to avoid disputes or delays. You can have the confidence that CH Building Consultants will meet those demands.
Party Wall Advice FAQs
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Party Wall Advice Case Studies
Explore our Party Wall Advice case studies, to see how we work.
