Party Wall Cost Calculator

Type of Party Wall Agreement	Estimated Cost
Party Wall Notice	£100 – £300
Party Wall Award	£700 – £1,500
Party Wall Surveyor Fees	£500 – £1,000 per surveyor
Shared Costs (if applicable)	Varies depending on agreement

FAQs

How much does it cost to get a party wall agreement?

• The cost of obtaining a party wall agreement can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the project, the number of adjoining owners involved, and the fees charged by party wall surveyors. On average, it can range from £700 to £1,500 or more.

Do I have to pay for my Neighbours party wall?

• Yes, if you are carrying out work that affects a shared party wall, you may be required to contribute to the costs of a party wall agreement, including your neighbor’s party wall surveyor fees.

Can I do a party wall agreement myself?

• While it’s possible to handle a party wall agreement yourself, it’s generally recommended to seek advice from a qualified party wall surveyor to ensure compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and to protect your interests.

Who pays for party wall repairs?

• The responsibility for party wall repairs typically lies with the property owner on whose land the wall stands. However, if the wall is jointly owned, the costs are usually shared between the owners.

Can you get a party wall agreement without a surveyor?

• While it’s possible to reach an agreement with your neighbors without appointing surveyors, it’s advisable to involve surveyors to ensure that the process is properly documented and that your interests are protected.

Can I build an extension without a party wall agreement?

• You can build an extension without a party wall agreement if the work does not affect a shared party wall or if it falls within the exemptions specified in the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. However, it’s important to consider whether the work may trigger the requirements of the Act and to engage with your neighbors accordingly.

What can I do if my Neighbour starts work without a party wall agreement?

• If your neighbor starts work without a party wall agreement and the work falls within the scope of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, you can issue a party wall notice to require them to follow the proper procedures. If necessary, you may need to seek legal advice or involve a party wall surveyor to resolve the issue.

Can a Neighbour refuse a party wall agreement?

• Yes, your neighbor can refuse to consent to a party wall agreement. However, if the proposed work falls within the scope of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, you may be able to proceed with the work after following the procedures outlined in the Act, including serving party wall notices and possibly appointing surveyors to resolve disputes.

What is the 3 Metre rule for party wall?

• The 3-meter rule for party walls refers to the distance within which certain types of excavation or construction work may require notification under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. If the proposed work involves excavations within 3 meters of an adjoining property and deeper than its foundations, it may trigger the requirements of the Act.

What is the difference between a party wall and a boundary wall?

• A party wall is a wall that stands on the boundary line between two properties and is shared by the owners of both properties. A boundary wall, on the other hand, may or may not be a party wall, depending on whether it is jointly owned and maintained by both property owners.

What is the 6 Metre rule for party wall?

• The 6-meter rule for party walls refers to the distance within which certain types of excavation or construction work may require notification under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. If the proposed work involves excavations within 6 meters of an adjoining property and deeper than its foundations, it may trigger the requirements of the Act.

What happens if you don’t issue a party wall agreement?

• If you fail to issue a party wall notice and obtain agreement or follow the procedures set out in the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, you may face legal consequences, including the possibility of injunctions, disputes, or claims for damages from affected neighbors.

Who is responsible for damp in a party wall?

• Responsibility for damp in a party wall typically depends on the cause of the damp and the terms of any agreements or arrangements between the property owners. In some cases, it may be necessary to involve a surveyor or specialist to assess the situation and determine liability.

Can you sell a house without a party wall agreement?

• It is possible to sell a house without a party wall agreement, but if the property is subject to the requirements of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, it’s important to disclose this information to potential buyers and to ensure that any necessary agreements or notices are in place before completing the sale.

What happens if Neighbour does not respond to party wall notice?

• If your neighbor fails to respond to a party wall notice within the specified timeframe, they are deemed to be in dispute, and you may need to appoint a surveyor to resolve the matter. The surveyor can then proceed with the necessary procedures outlined in the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

How long does party wall agreement take?

• The timeline for reaching a party wall agreement can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the proposed work, the responsiveness of neighbors, and any disputes that arise. In general, the process can take several weeks to several months to complete.

Can you dig foundations without party wall agreement?

• In some cases, you may be able to dig foundations without a party wall agreement if the proposed work falls within certain exemptions specified in the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 or if it does not affect a shared party wall. However, it’s important to consider the requirements of the Act and to engage with your neighbors accordingly.

Do you legally have to have a party wall agreement?

• You are legally required to follow the procedures outlined in the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 if the proposed work falls within its scope and affects a shared party wall or other boundary structures. Failure to do so may result in legal consequences.

Can you get a party wall agreement after work has started?

• It is possible to obtain a party wall agreement after work has started, but it’s generally advisable to follow the proper procedures and obtain agreement or consent from affected neighbors before commencing work to avoid disputes or legal issues.

How close to my Neighbours boundary can I build?

• The distance at which you can build to your neighbor’s boundary may vary depending on local planning regulations, zoning laws, and any specific restrictions or covenants affecting your property. It’s advisable to check with your local planning authority or seek professional advice to determine the applicable requirements.

Can my Neighbour build right to my boundary?

• Your neighbor may have the right to build up to the boundary line between your properties, depending on local planning regulations and any legal restrictions or agreements in place. However, they must ensure that their construction complies with applicable laws and does not infringe on your property rights.

Can a Neighbour drill into a party wall?

• Your neighbor may be able to drill into a party wall with your consent or by following the procedures outlined in the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, which may require issuing party wall notices and obtaining agreement or consent from affected neighbors.

Does a fence come under the Party Wall Act?

• A fence may or may not come under the scope of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, depending on factors such as its location, ownership, and whether it constitutes a party fence wall as defined by the Act. It’s advisable to consult with a party wall surveyor or legal expert to determine the applicability of the Act to your specific situation.

On what grounds can you dispute a party wall agreement?

• You can dispute a party wall agreement on various grounds, including disagreements over the proposed work’s scope, its impact on your property, compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, and issues related to cost-sharing or liability. In such cases, you may need to seek legal advice or involve a party wall surveyor to resolve the dispute.

Can you have a verbal party wall agreement?

• While it’s possible to reach a verbal agreement with your neighbors regarding party wall matters, it’s generally advisable to have any agreements or arrangements properly documented in writing to avoid misunderstandings or disputes later on.

What happens if a Neighbour damages a party wall?

• If your neighbor damages a party wall during construction work, they may be held liable for the repairs and any associated costs. You may need to involve a party wall surveyor or legal expert to assess the damage, determine liability, and resolve the matter.

Can I build on top of a party wall?

• You may be able to build on top of a party wall with your neighbor’s consent or by following the procedures outlined in the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, which may require issuing party wall notices and obtaining agreement or consent from affected neighbors.

What are my rights with a party wall?

• Your rights with a party wall may include the right to access the wall for construction or maintenance purposes, the right to protect your property from damage caused by neighboring works, and the right to seek compensation for any losses or expenses incurred as a result of party wall matters. It’s essential to understand your rights and obligations under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and to seek advice if necessary.

Does the Party Wall Act apply to garden walls?

• The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply to garden walls if they meet the definition of a party wall or party fence wall as set out in the Act. This typically depends on factors such as ownership, location, and shared use of the wall between adjoining properties.

What is the 7 year boundary rule?

• The 7-year boundary rule is a common misconception that suggests if a structure, such as a fence or wall, has been in place on a property boundary for seven or more years without objection, it becomes the legal boundary. However, this is not a legal principle, and property boundaries are determined by title deeds, surveys, and legal agreements, not by the passage of time.

Who owns the boundary wall between two houses?

• The ownership of a boundary wall between two houses can vary depending on factors such as the property deeds, agreements between the property owners, and the wall’s location relative to the property boundaries. In some cases, the wall may be jointly owned or maintained by both property owners, while in others, it may belong exclusively to one property owner.

Do I have to pay for my Neighbours party wall?

• If you are carrying out work that affects a shared party wall, you may be required to contribute to the costs of a party wall agreement, including your neighbor’s party wall surveyor fees.