Party Wall Act Section1 Reading

Jason Edworthy - Your Local Party Wall Surveyors Provider

Section1 Reading of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 deals with new building works that are planned right at or near the boundary line between two properties.

If you or your client is planning to construct a new wall astride the boundary or up to it, Section1 comes into play—and it’s important to follow it properly to avoid disputes with neighbours.

What Is Section1 of the Party Wall Act and Why Does It Matter Reading?

Section1 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is about putting up a new wall at or close to the line that separates two properties.

It makes sure that adjoining owners know before building work starts. This can help stop arguments. It also helps people have good relationships with their neighbours.

This section applies when:

You want to build a wall right on the line between your place and the next one (a party wall), or
You plan to put up a wall that goes up to the boundary but does not cross over it.

In both cases, you need to give a Section1 Notice to the owner of the property next to yours. You must do this at least one month before you start the work.

The neighbour can say yes, ask you to change something, or say no. If they say no, you might need a party wall agreement or get someone to look at the wall.

Why it matters:

If you do not follow Section1, you can have legal problems. This can cause things to slow down, or you may have to stop work. It is good to get this right at the start.

This will save you time. It will help keep your good relationships. It also helps the project to keep going well.

At Jason Edworthy, your local party wall surveyors provider, we help people who own homes, architects, and builders deal with Section 1 notices the right way. We make sure you follow all rules and feel at ease.

Can Your Neighbour Legally Stop You from Building on the Boundary?

It depends. Under Section 1 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, you have the right of access access rights to build up to—or astride—the level of the land of the adjoining owner or the boundary line between your property and your neighbour’s under the Party Wall etc Act for the construction of the existing party wall, including the construction of the wall in pursuance of the Act, ensuring that you do not cause unnecessary inconvenience.

However, you must first serve a Section 1 Notice at least one month before starting the work.

If you’re building entirely on your own land, right up to the boundary, your neighbour cannot legally stop you—though you still have to notify them.

However, if you want to build on the boundary line itself (known as a party wall), your neighbour’s consent is required. If they don’t agree, you can’t proceed with the shared wall, but you can revise your plans to build fully on your own land instead.

How Does Section1 Reading Differ for Residential vs. Commercial Properties?

Section1 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies to both residential and commercial properties—but how it’s approached can differ depending on the type of development, complexity of the project, and the relationship with adjoining owners.

At Jason Edworthy, your local party wall surveyors provider, we tailor our guidance to suit the unique needs of each property type.

What’s the Same?

For both residential and commercial properties, the legal requirements under Section1 of the Party Wall Act are fundamentally the same. Whether you’re building a home extension or a large commercial development, you must serve a formal Section1 Notice if the proposed wall is to be constructed at or up to the boundary line.

In both cases, a minimum notice period of one month is required before any work can begin. Neighbours—whether homeowners or business owners—have the same legal rights under the Act and must be properly informed.

If a dispute arises, the process is also identical: surveyors may be appointed to resolve the matter and issue a Party Wall Award to move the project forward in a fair and lawful way.

Residential Properties

Smaller-scale works: Homeowners often undertake extensions or garden walls, which are generally simpler projects but still legally bound by Section1 Reading.
Informal neighbour relationships: Many homeowners speak directly with their neighbours, but still need formal written notices to stay compliant.
Common mistake: Assuming a friendly relationship removes the need for legal procedures—this can lead to complications down the line.

Commercial Properties

Larger and more complex builds: Offices, shops, or industrial developments often involve deeper foundations, heavy machinery, and stricter timelines.
Multiple adjoining owners: A commercial site may border several properties—each one may require a separate Section1 Reading Notice.
Heightened legal scrutiny: Commercial projects often involve contractors, investors, and planning consultants, making legal compliance even more critical.

Why It Matters

Getting Section1 wrong—whether it’s a home extension or a commercial build—can result in delays, legal disputes, and extra costs.

That’s why architects, builders, and homeowners across the UK trust Jason Edworthy to manage notices properly and ensure compliance from the start.

Need help with a residential or commercial Section1 Reading Notice? Jason Edworthy, your local party wall surveyors provider, is here to guide you through every step—professionally and stress-free.