Most extensions, loft conversions, basements and structural refurbishments in London trigger the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. We manage the notices, surveyors and award so your build stays legal and on programme.
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is the law that governs building work affecting a shared (party) wall, a boundary structure, or excavation near a neighbour's building. If your project is covered, you must serve formal notice on the affected neighbours (the 'adjoining owners') before work starts. If they consent, work can proceed; if they dissent or do not respond, surveyors are appointed and a binding 'party wall award' is produced. We manage this process so it never becomes the thing that delays your build.
Cutting into, raising, underpinning, rebuilding or inserting beams into a shared wall — common with loft conversions, rear extensions and structural refurbishments — falls under Section 2 of the Act.
Excavating within 3m of a neighbouring structure (and below its foundations), or within 6m under a 45-degree line, is notifiable under Section 6 — typical for basements and deep foundations.
Building a new wall on, or astride, the boundary line is notifiable under Section 1, with its own one-month notice period.
Notices must name the right owners, describe the works accurately and give the correct notice period. We prepare and serve them so they cannot be challenged on a technicality.
Before work starts, a schedule of condition records the neighbour's property so any genuine damage can be fairly assessed — and unfounded claims defended.
If a neighbour dissents, an agreed surveyor (or one each) produces a party wall award setting out how and when the work proceeds. We coordinate the appointments and keep them moving.
Notice periods are set by the Act and must run before work starts, so party wall must be planned early. The periods below are statutory; the time to reach an award depends on whether the neighbour consents.
| Type of Work / Notice | Statutory Notice Period | Typical Projects |
|---|---|---|
| New wall on/at the boundary (s.1) | 1 month before work | Boundary walls, some extensions |
| Work to an existing party wall (s.2) | 2 months before work | Loft conversions, extensions, beams |
| Adjacent excavation (s.6) | 1 month before work | Basements, deep foundations |
| Neighbour consents in writing | No award required | Fastest route — work can proceed |
Every project is priced individually. Use our cost calculator or book a free consultation for a detailed, fixed quotation.
As your design develops, we identify every element of the works that is notifiable under Sections 1, 2 or 6 of the Act and which neighbours are affected.
We draft accurate notices for each adjoining owner and serve them with the correct statutory notice period, before work is due to start.
If neighbours consent in writing, no award is needed. If they dissent or do not respond within 14 days, a surveyor is appointed to act.
A schedule of condition is recorded and the surveyor(s) produce a party wall award setting out the agreed method, hours and protections.
Our build team works strictly to the award, and a closing inspection confirms no damage has occurred, protecting you from later disputes.
We are adding photographed, costed case studies for this service. To see comparable completed schemes, book a consultation or browse our case study portfolio.
Book a free consultation. We will tell you whether the Party Wall etc. Act applies to your project and manage the notices, surveyors and award as part of your build.