Glossary

Adjoining Owner
The neighbour whose property shares a boundary, wall, or structure with the building owner planning the works.

Agreed Surveyor
A single surveyor appointed jointly by both the building owner and adjoining owner to resolve party wall matters.

Award (Party Wall Award)
A legally binding document prepared by the surveyor. It sets out the rights and responsibilities of both owners, the scope of works, and includes a record of the adjoining property’s condition.

Boundary Line
The legal dividing line between two properties also known as the Line of Junction. It may not always be clear from physical features like fences or walls.

Party Wall Type A
A Type A Party Wall is a wall that stands directly on the boundary of land belonging to two different owners. Both owners usually have equal rights over it. This is the most common type of party wall and is typically found between terraced or semi-detached houses.

Party Wall Type B
A Type B Party Wall is a wall that stands wholly on one owner’s land but is used by both owners to separate their properties. For example, if a neighbour’s building is built up against an existing wall on your land, that wall can become a Type B party wall.

Building Owner
The person who intends to carry out construction works that fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

Consent
Written agreement from the adjoining owner allowing works to proceed without the need for a full party wall award.

Dissent
When an adjoining owner does not consent to the works. This triggers the appointment of one or more surveyors to resolve the matter through an award.

Excavation Notice
A formal notice is served if a building owner plans to dig foundations within certain distances of a neighbour’s property.  See Section 6 Notice.

Line of Junction
The boundary line where a new wall may be built, either astride the boundary or wholly on the building owner’s land.

Notice (Party Wall Notice)
A written document served by the building owner to inform the adjoining owner of intended works that affect the shared boundary or structure.  To be legally compliant, the Notice must contain specific details.

Schedule of Condition
A detailed written and photographic record of the adjoining property before works begin. This protects both parties by providing evidence if damage is later claimed.

Section 1 Notice
A notice served when the building owner intends to build a new wall on the boundary line.

Section 3 Notice
A notice served when works involve cutting into or altering a shared wall.

Section 6 Notice
A notice served when the building owner intends to excavate near a neighbour’s foundations.

Trespass
Encroachment or unlawful interference with a neighbour’s land or property, often avoided through proper party wall procedures.

Work Commencement Date
The date agreed in the party wall award when works can legally begin.

If you’re looking to learn more about party walls, you can explore our news page.