Formally known as a Party Wall Award, this is a legal document drawn up by surveyors. It outlines how proposed building work should proceed to prevent damage to a neighbor’s property.

It is a formal legal document sent by a homeowner (Building Owner) to their neighbor (Adjoining Owner) to inform them of intended building works that fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

You generally need to notify neighbors if you are: building on or at a boundary, excavating within 3 or 6 meters of their structure, or cutting into a shared wall (e.g., for a loft conversion/chimney removals).

Yes, you can. However, if the notice is technically incorrect or missing vital information, it may be deemed invalid, which can lead to expensive legal delays or injunctions later on.

You are technically in breach of a statutory duty. Your neighbor could seek an injunction to stop your builders immediately, and you may be liable for all legal costs and any damages claimed.

This is a written and photographic record of the neighbor’s property before work starts. It protects both parties by proving whether any later damage was actually caused by the construction.

• Talk to the neighbour: They may be unaware of their obligations. Request they stop immediately and follow the proper notice procedure.

• Send a formal letter: If talking fails, send a letter via recorded delivery asking them to stop works and follow the act.

• Seek an Injunction:

  The most effective way to stop them is by applying to a local county court for an injunction.

• Seek a party wall agreement:

  Once works has stopped, the party wall procedure can be undertaken. However, the party wall agreement cna only include works that has not started yet. You may have to seek compensation for pre-party wall agreement works via common law.