The Party Wall etc Act 1996 applies to all works which involve either works to an existing wall or structure shared with another property, construction of a freestanding wall or a wall of a building up to or astride a boundary or excavations close to a neighbouring building or structure.

Where it is proposed to carry out such works it is a statutory requirement that notice be served on the neighbouring owner. Unless both sides agree that the works may proceed, party wall surveyors will need to be appointed.

At tmd we have vast experience in dealing with such matters and have advised or acted on literally thousands of cases over the years. These include cases as diverse as small residential extensions or the construction of a new garden wall to deep, multi-level basement excavations in the heart of the City of London. Our clients range from individual leaseholders to major commercial developers and pension funds.

The Act grants significant rights over adjoining owners' properties and affords them consequential protection. Ensuring that these rights are fully respected in order to facilitate the development whilst protecting neighbouring owners requires not only knowledge of the law, but also an understanding of the methods and risks associated with various forms of construction.