Party Structure

A party structure can be a wall or floor partition that separates two properties

A term that is referred to in the Act. A party structure can be a wall or floor partition that separates two properties.

Can also be a wall separating parts of buildings or staircases within flats

An example of this is a dividing floor between a ground floor and a first-floor flat. A party structure can also be a wall separating parts of buildings or staircases within flats.

Notifying Neighbours

If you plan to carry out construction work that affect a party structure, you must notify your neighbours in advance.

Consent

An adjoining owner (neighbour) has the option to consent to the proposed works. If they consent, works can commence without the requirement of a Party Wall Award as there is no dispute.

Dissent

An adjoining owner (neighbour) has the option to dissent to the proposed works. If they dissent, a dispute arises, and surveyors act on each owner’s behalf to agree a Party Wall Award which officially resolves the dispute.

No Response

If the adjoining owner fails to respond to the notice, the building owner’s surveyor has the right to appoint a surveyor to act for the adjoining owner. This prevents a situation arising whereby a building owner is unable to carry out works they have a right to undertake, simply because they have not received a response.