A Party Wall is an individual partition between  two different buildings  in separate ownership. These walls are often constructed over a centre line dividing two individually  occupied  homes . Sometimes these are two adjoining walls that were built  periods apart . A Party Wall might also mean:

• a wall that adjoining owners have in common ; 
• a wall that is divided into two parts , where one occupantt owns a wall; 
• a wall which wholly belongs to one of the adjoining  neighbours, with the right to have it maintained as a dividing wall between the two occupants .

When  maintenance is required, the  service of a party wall surveyor should be  utilised. They specialise in the resolution of disputes arising under the Party Wall etc Act 1996. The role of the party wall surveyor is to assist, advise and resolve any disputes between adjoining owners when works to a buildings party structure is proposed.

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is a legislation that is only applicable in England and Wales.

If you require Party Wall Act Advice, we can offer the following services:

If you are the  property owner and are carrying out building works:

• We can  advise exactly which neighbouring propertiesfall within the  small print of the Party Wall etc. Act.

• You can instruct us to serve party wall notices.

• We can prepare and agree a party wall agreement, (sometimes also  known as a party wall award).

• We can  supply a schedule of the condition of the neighbouring properties, to ensure that you are not held responsible for any pre-existing defects.

If you are an adjourning owner and your neighbour is carrying out building works , we can:

•  Assist you of your rights under the Party Wall etc Act.

•  Make sure that all controls are in place to minimise the risk of damage to your property .

• Monitor the building works and identify any damage to your property.

• Inform you, under the Act, the developer is required to pay our  party wall  services  on your behalf.

Before proceeding on any building maintenance to a party wall, be sure to know your legal rights and obligations governed by the Party Wall Act 1996 and speak to one of our Party Wall Surveyors about a Party Wall Agreement.