Has Your Neighbour Started or Planned Works? Protect Your Property Under the Party Wall Act
- Dylan Ferreiro
- Oct 2
- 2 min read
It can be worrying when you find out your neighbour is planning major building works — whether that’s an extension, a loft conversion, or even new foundations near your home. If this sounds familiar, you’re legally classed as the Adjoining Owner under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
The good news? The Act exists to safeguard your property and protect your interests.
Who is the Adjoining Owner?
An Adjoining Owner is anyone whose property is next to a building project covered by the Act. This could be:
The other half of a semi-detached house.
The neighbour next door in a terrace.
The owner of land where new foundations are being dug nearby.
If the works might affect your wall, boundary, or foundations, you have legal rights under the Party Wall Act.
Your Rights as an Adjoining Owner
As an Adjoining Owner, the Act gives you strong protections, including the right to:
Receive a Party Wall Notice before works begin.
Consent or dissent to the proposed works.
Appoint your own Party Wall Surveyor (at the Building Owner’s expense).
Have a Schedule of Condition prepared — a detailed record of your property before works start.
Rely on a formal, legally binding Party Wall Award, which sets out how and when works can take place.
These rights ensure that your home is protected and any disputes are handled fairly.
Why This Matters
Without the Party Wall Act, neighbours could carry out works that put your property at risk, leaving you with little recourse.
With it, you’re covered:
Any damage caused must be made good.
Costs for necessary surveying are covered by the Building Owner.
Your home is legally protected throughout the process.
In short: the Act ensures you’re not left vulnerable.
How Shared Walls Helps
At Shared Walls, we act as your expert surveyor, ensuring your rights are respected and your property is fully protected.
We manage the entire process on your behalf — from reviewing notices to resolving disputes — so you don’t have to worry.
👉 Neighbour planning works? Protect your property today. Contact Shared Walls for clear advice and expert support.
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