Party Wall Terms Explained: A Simple Guide for Homeowners
- Dylan Ferreiro
- Oct 2, 2025
- 2 min read
If you’re planning building works near a boundary or have received a Party Wall notice, you’ve probably come across a wave of confusing terms and legal jargon. At Shared Walls, we believe in keeping things simple. That’s why we’ve created this guide to explain the most common Party Wall terms in plain English.
Key Terms You’ll Hear:
Party Wall
A wall that stands on the boundary between two properties and is shared by both owners. This could be the wall between two terraced houses, a garden wall, or part of a semi-detached home.
Party Wall Act 1996
The law that sets out your rights and responsibilities when carrying out building work near or on a shared boundary. It helps prevent disputes by making sure everything is done fairly and legally.
Party Wall Notice
A written document you (the building owner) must serve to your neighbour before starting work that falls under the Act. It explains what you plan to do and gives them the chance to agree or dissent.
Adjoining Owner
Your neighbour who shares the wall, boundary, or structure affected by your planned works.
Building Owner
You, the person planning to carry out the building works.
Dissent
If your neighbour (the adjoining owner) does not agree to your notice, this is called “dissent.” It doesn’t mean the works won’t happen—it just means surveyors will be appointed to resolve matters.
Surveyor
A qualified professional (like us at Shared Walls) who is appointed to act on behalf of the building owner, adjoining owner, or both, to make sure the process runs smoothly.
Schedule of Condition
A detailed record of the condition of your neighbour’s property before work starts—like a photographic “before” snapshot. This protects everyone in case of disputes about damage later.
Party Wall Award
The formal, legally binding document created by the surveyor(s). It sets out how the works should be carried out, timescales, access rights, and who pays for what.
Why This Matters
Understanding these terms helps you see the bigger picture: the Party Wall Act exists to protect both sides. It ensures your project can go ahead while giving your neighbour reassurance that their property and rights are protected.
At Shared Walls, we take care of the complex parts so you don’t have to. From serving notices to preparing Awards, we make sure the process is handled correctly from start to finish.
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