In 1997, the Government introduced the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 (often referred to as the Party Wall Act), which applies to the whole of England and Wales. The Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors was born out of a need for education and support for building surveyors and other professionals, as well as to enhance awareness and provide advice and guidance to the general public.
Does the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 affect me?
DO YOU INTEND TO CARRY OUT WORK WHICH INVOLVES:
● Work on an existing wall, ceiling or floor structure shared with another property?
● Building on or at the boundary with another property?
● Excavating near a neighbouring building or structure?
If so you must find out whether the work falls within the scope of the Act. If it does, you must serve the statutory notice on all those defined in the Act as ‘adjoining owners’.
Determining if a particular building project is within the scope of the Act is often more complex than simply checking the general criteria stated above. Failure to correctly identify the status of your project could result in the building works being unlawful. If you are in any doubt you should always seek professional advice.
Visit our Party Wall Act Overview page for more details.
It's the law
Failure to comply with this legislation may result in the works being unlawful. If you are unsure you should seek professional advice.
How We Can Help
Building and Adjoining Owners
For Building Owners and Adjoining Owners, we offer advice and access to one of our professional members located across England and Wales. All our accredited members have been screened and interviewed to ensure they have the expertise in Party Wall Matters and the Party Wall Act 1996 to meet the exacting standards required for membership of the Faculty.
This site contains lots of useful information to help you understand the Act and your obligations, to ensure your building works comply with legal requirements. Below you will find some links to help answer the more common queries homeowners have.
Construction Professionals
For Construction Professionals with an interest in Party Wall matters, we can offer an accredited professional membership bringing training, advice and a host of membership benefits, along with it.
For further details about becoming a member and to download an application form please see the Join Us page.
If you would prefer to contact us directly to discuss membership further please call or email us, we will be happy to answer you queries.
Search for a local member surveyor
Do You Have Any Questions?
If you have questions about the Party Wall Act or any other Party Wall matters or the Faculty, then visit our FAQs page which may help, with questions like what is a ‘Party Wall Agreement’, what is a ‘Party Wall’ and much more. But don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any further assistance.
The Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors has members across England & Wales. Use our search facility to find your nearest member.
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Our podcasts cover a wide range of topics related to Faculty and party wall matters. Presented by industry professionals and expert guests.