What you share
- The party wall itself, usually from below ground to the roof. In some older houses it is thinner in the loft, or missing there altogether: see no party wall in the loft.
- Chimney breasts and stacks built against or into the party wall, often with flues from both houses side by side.
- Foundations under the party wall, carrying both houses.
- Garden walls on the boundary, which may be party fence walls.
Work that usually needs notice
| Work | Why |
|---|---|
| Loft conversion | Beams bear on the party wall, which may also be raised for a dormer or gable |
| Chimney breast removal | The breast is part of the party wall |
| Steel beam for a knock-through | Its end usually sits in the party wall |
| Rear extension | A new wall at the boundary, and foundations near next door |
| Damp proofing the party wall | Cutting in a damp proof course is work to the wall |
Work that usually does not
Replastering your own side, rewiring with shallow chases, fitting kitchen units and shelves, or replacing windows away from the party wall.
In a terrace, think both ways
A mid-terrace house has two party walls. A loft conversion often affects both, so both neighbours need notice.
Common questions
My house is attached to next door only by the garage. Does that count?
If the garage wall is shared, it is a party wall, and work to it is covered in the same way.
Where this comes from in the Act
- Section 2: Repair etc. of party wall: rights of owner
- Section 3: Party structure notices
- Section 6: Adjacent excavation and construction
Links go to the official text of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 on legislation.gov.uk.