If you are planning excavation works near a neighbouring property, Section 6 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply.
Section 6 relates to excavations within:
This commonly affects rear extensions, basement excavations and underpinning works.
Christopher Anthony Surveyors regularly act for both Building Owners and Adjoining Owners across North London and Hertfordshire in relation to Section 6 Party Wall matters.
Section 6 applies where excavation and foundation works are carried out close to a neighbouring building.
Typical examples include:
Even where no works are being carried out directly to a party wall, Section 6 may still apply.
A Section 6 Notice must be served at least one month before excavation begins.
The notice should include:
Incorrect or incomplete notices are one of the most common causes of delay.
Notice is required where you excavate within 3 metres of a neighbouring structure and to a depth lower than their foundations.
Notice is required where excavation falls within 6 metres and intersects a 45-degree line drawn from the bottom of the neighbour’s foundations.
This calculation is often misunderstood and should be assessed properly before works commence.
If the Adjoining Owner:
A dispute is deemed to arise under the Act.
Surveyor(s) are appointed and a Party Wall Award is prepared.
The Award will typically cover:
Excavation carries structural risk.
We regularly see concerns relating to:
Early technical review helps ensure works are proportionate and compliant.
If you are proposing excavation works, we can:
Our approach is practical and commercially aware — protecting both compliance and programme.
If you have received a Section 6 Notice, you are entitled to:
We act solely in your interest when appointed.
We regularly deal with:
Each requires slightly different assessment depending on ground conditions and existing construction.
If you are planning excavation works or have received a Section 6 Notice, we can advise quickly and clearly on your position.
For a quick online quote for Party Wall advice, send us the details of your project.
Or need advise straight away, please call us and one of our team will be pleased to assist you.
Areas We Cover
Christopher Anthony Surveyors provide professional Party Wall Surveyor services across London and the surrounding areas, including Hackney, Islington, Camden, Haringey, North London, East London, South London, West London, Bexley, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, and Kent.
Our coverage also extends to Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Enfield, Barnet, Southwark, Greenwich, Lewisham, Bromley, Croydon, Lambeth, Hammersmith & Fulham, Wandsworth, Merton, Kingston upon Thames, Ealing, Brent, Harrow, Hillingdon, Richmond upon Thames, and Sutton.
We continue to expand our reach — explore your local area page to learn more about Party Wall services near you.
