Understanding the Application of the 3m and 6m Rules in the Party Wall Act
- Duchy Party Wall Surveyors
- Nov 13
- 2 min read
The Party Wall Act sets clear boundaries for when property owners must notify neighbours about building work near shared or adjacent walls. Two key distances often cause confusion: the 3-metre and 6-metre rules. Knowing when these apply helps avoid disputes and ensures compliance with the law. This post explains these rules clearly, with practical examples, so you can understand your responsibilities under the Party Wall Act.
What the Party Wall Act Covers
The Party Wall Act 1996 protects neighbours when building work affects shared walls or boundaries. It applies mainly to:
Work on a party wall or party fence wall
Building a new wall close to a neighbour’s property
Excavating near a neighbour’s foundation
The Act requires property owners to notify neighbours before starting work, allowing time to agree on how to proceed or appoint surveyors.
When the 3-Metre Rule Applies
The 3-metre rule applies when you plan to carry out work within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building. This includes:
Excavations for foundations or basements
Building a new wall or structure close to the boundary
Alterations that might affect the neighbour’s property
If your work is within this distance, you must serve a Party Wall Notice to your neighbour. For example, if you want to dig a new foundation 2.5 metres from your neighbour’s house, the 3-metre rule means you must notify them and possibly agree on safeguards.
When the 6-Metre Rule Applies
The 6-metre rule applies to work between 3 and 6 metres from a neighbour’s building. This mainly concerns excavations. If you plan to dig within this zone, you must notify your neighbour, but the requirements are less strict than within 3 metres.
For example, if you want to excavate a garden area 5 metres from your neighbour’s house, you still need to serve notice, but the neighbour’s rights to object or require surveyors may be more limited.
Practical Examples from Duchy Party Wall Surveying
Duchy Party Wall Surveying often advises clients on these rules. Here are two typical scenarios:
Scenario 1: A homeowner wants to build a single-storey extension 2 metres from the neighbour’s wall. The 3-metre rule applies, so a Party Wall Notice is necessary. The neighbour can agree or appoint a surveyor to protect their interests.
Scenario 2: Another client plans to dig a basement 5 metres from the neighbour’s property. The 6-metre rule means notice must be served, but the neighbour’s ability to object is limited unless damage is likely.
Understanding these distances helps avoid delays and costly disputes.
Key Points to Remember
The 3-metre rule applies to work within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building and requires formal notice and often surveyor involvement.
The 6-metre rule applies to excavations between 3 and 6 metres and requires notice but less strict neighbour rights.
Always serve a Party Wall Notice before starting work to avoid legal issues.
Consult a qualified party wall surveyor, like those at Duchy Party Wall Surveying, to clarify your obligations.
Knowing these rules protects your project and your relationship with neighbours. If you are planning work near a boundary, check the distances carefully and act early to comply with the Party Wall Act.
For any questions over the party wall act please feel to contact Duchy Party Wall Surveying on -
(T) 07873 295886
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