How close can I build next to a party wall?
Building near a party wall requires compliance with the Party Wall Act 1996. Any work within 3 meters, or 6 meters if deeper than your neighbour’s foundation, requires you to serve a Party Wall Notice. The notice ensures your neighbour is informed and has a chance to respond. Consulting a surveyor is recommended to avoid disputes and ensure the work is safe and compliant with legal requirements.
How Close Can You Build Next to a Party Wall? Key Regulations You Need to Know
When building near a party wall, you must follow the regulations outlined in the Party Wall Act 1996 to ensure that both you and your neighbour’s property are protected. Typically, any excavation or construction work within 3 meters of a party wall, or within 6 meters if the work is deeper than the neighbour’s foundations, requires you to serve a Party Wall Notice to your adjoining neighbour.
This notice informs your neighbour of the proposed work and gives them an opportunity to agree, object, or request modifications. Failure to follow these legal requirements could result in disputes or legal action, so it’s essential to handle the process correctly.
The exact distance you can build from a party wall depends on the type of construction and the impact it could have on the shared structure.
If your work involves digging, drilling, or altering the wall itself, you’ll need to take extra precautions to avoid damaging the wall or compromising its structural integrity. In most cases, it’s wise to consult a party wall surveyor to assess the situation and ensure the work complies with the law. By following the proper procedures, you can minimise the risk of disputes and maintain good relations with your neighbour while ensuring your project proceeds smoothly.
Director
Laurence Murrin BA (Hons) MRICS MFPWS
Director
Laurence Murrin BA (Hons) MRICS MFPWS
Director
Chris Belton BSc (Hons) MRICS
Director
Chris Belton BSc (Hons) MRICS
Director
Dan Griggs BSc (Hons) MRICS
Director
Dan Griggs BSc (Hons) MRICS
Director
Joe Bennett BSc (Hons) MRICS
Director
Joe Bennett BSc (Hons) MRICS
You are undertaking building works
- Check whether the Party Wall etc Act 1996 applies to your project
- Talk to your neighbours early, before serving Notice about your work. Keeping your Adjoining Owners (neighbours) informed
- Make sure your Notice is served properly, or else it will be invalid
- Serve Notice with plenty of time
- Don’t be tempted to start work until you have an agreement / Party Wall Award in place.
Received a Party Wall Notice? - We can help
- Most Adjoining Owners worry that their property will be damaged by the building works.
- Our role is to try and ensure that this does not happen by looking in detail at the proposals and designs and arranging proper working methods.
- Adjoining Owners are entitled to have their surveyor’s reasonable fees paid by the Building Owner.
- The fees must be both reasonable and justifiable.
Benefits of Hiring a Party Wall Surveyor
Engaging with a Party Wall Surveyor allows you to:
- Prevent delays getting agreements in place
- Receive expert advice
- Prevent legal disputes
- Record the condition of neighbours’ property prior to the works – preventing claims for damage
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