The Party Wall Act, made easy
A self-serve library of clear, practical articles on the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and its administration — written by a practising party wall surveyor for owners and professionals alike.
Self-serve guidance
- over 100 practical articles
- Plain English, UK law
- By Karmjit Grewal
Popular articles
The first party wall knowledge base
A knowledge base is a self-serve online library of information. In this case, it is a library about the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and its practical administration.
Notices & consentThe Party Wall Act explained in 1 minute
A one-minute overview of when the Party Wall Act applies and the three types of notifiable work.
Awards & processThe party wall process in brief
The party wall process from assessing the work to serving notice and dealing with each neighbour's response.
Choosing a surveyorChecklist: choosing a good party wall surveyor
Before appointing a party wall surveyor, use this checklist. If several points cannot be answered confidently, proceed with caution.
Notices & consentIs it a good idea to prepare and serve party wall notices yourself?
If you are carrying out building work near a shared wall, boundary or neighbouring foundations, you may need to serve party wall notices under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
Guidance & insightWhat to do when your neighbour ignores the Party Wall Act
If your neighbour starts, or is about to start, work without following the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, the first step is to work out whether the Act applies at all.
Notices & consentConsent for special foundations and underpinning
Question: Can a surveyor appointed by a building owner on behalf of an adjoining owner under section 10(4) consent to special foundations for that adjoining owner? Can the adj…
Fees & costsCalculating making use costs
Making use costs are often referred to as enclosure costs, but "making use" is usually the clearer phrase.
Guidance & insightAssessing damage in party wall matters: using the BRE crack classification
Damage arising from party wall works is uncommon, but when it is alleged, proportional assessment is essential.
Guidance & insightParty wall dispute resolution: a practical surveyor-led framework
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 provides a structured method for resolving disputes. Used properly, it is efficient. Used badly, it can become expensive and slow.
Guidance & insightAssessing the scale of damage in party wall matters
Damage to an adjoining owner’s property during party wall works is uncommon, but it can happen. When it does, the scale of the damage matters.
Awards & processWhat makes a good first party wall award?
A good party wall award should be clear, fair and specific to the works being carried out.
Guidance & insightThe advising engineer in party wall matters
An advising engineer can play a valuable role in party wall matters, but only when their role is properly limited. Overuse or misuse can create unnecessary cost and confusion.
Case lawPower and Kyson v Shah - no notice, no Act
Power and Kyson v Shah is now one of the most important modern party wall cases.
Awards & processShould I appeal a party wall award?
Appealing a party wall award is possible, but it is a serious step. It can be expensive, time-consuming and uncertain.
Fees & costsParty wall surveyor costs and fees: a simple guide
Understanding likely party wall surveyor costs helps building owners plan properly and avoid unnecessary disputes. The cost will depend on the work, the number of owners invol…
Awards & processEnforcing a party wall award: client guide
If one owner does not comply with a party wall award, the award can usually be enforced. Examples include failure to pay surveyors’ fees, failure to pay compensation, refusal…
Related content & tools
Related content
Guides and pages grouped by theme to go alongside the articles. Explore →
Glossary of terms
Plain-English definitions of the party wall terms used throughout. Open glossary →
Search the library
Filter every article by keyword or topic. Search articles →
See every article
Browse and search the full knowledge base, or get in touch for advice on your matter.