Planning to Carry Out Building Works? Learn Your Rights Under the Party Wall Act
- Dylan Ferreiro
- Oct 2, 2025
- 2 min read
If you’re planning to extend your home, convert a loft, dig a basement, or even make internal structural changes, you might not realise it — but legally, you’re classed as the Building Owner under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
This law sets out clear rules for how you must notify neighbours, protect their property, and move forward with your project fairly. Understanding your rights and responsibilities before you begin is essential.
Who is the Building Owner?
Under the Act, the Building Owner is anyone planning works that affect:
A shared (party) wall, such as those between terraced or semi-detached homes.
A boundary wall, even if it’s partly on a neighbour’s land.
Excavations close to a neighbour’s property, such as digging foundations for an extension.
In short: if your project could impact a neighbour’s wall, boundary, or structure, you’re a Building Owner.
Your Rights as a Building Owner
As the Building Owner, you have the right to carry out works covered by the Act — provided you follow the proper process.
These rights include:
Serving a Party Wall Notice to inform your neighbours of the planned works.
Carrying out the agreed works once proper consent or an Award is in place.
Having surveyors appointed (if needed) to resolve disputes fairly.
The Act is there to enable your project, not stop it. It simply ensures everyone’s property and interests are respected along the way.
Your Responsibilities
Alongside your rights, you also have responsibilities, such as:
Serving valid notices in advance of the works.
Covering the costs of surveyors if required.
Carrying out work carefully and in line with the agreed Party Wall Award.
Protecting your neighbour’s property and ensuring it’s left in no worse condition.
Failing to follow these steps could lead to delays, disputes, or even legal action—all of which can be avoided with the right professional support.
Why This Matters
Taking the time to understand your role as a Building Owner means you can move forward confidently, keep relations with your neighbours positive, and avoid unnecessary complications.
At Shared Walls, we guide Building Owners through every step — from serving notices to resolving disputes — so you can focus on your project without the stress.
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