If you are a Building Owner planning work that falls under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, you are legally required to notify your neighbours before commencing. This is done by serving a Party Wall Notice.
When Must You Serve Notice?
- At least 2 months before starting works on a party wall or boundary wall
- At least 1 month before excavating near a neighbouring property
While a neighbour can choose to waive the notice period, the notice must still be served correctly according to the law.
Who Is an “Adjoining Owner”?
An Adjoining Owner is anyone who owns land, a building, or a room that shares a boundary with the property where works are planned. This includes:
- Freehold owners
- Long leaseholders
- In some cases, tenants (depending on the lease)
For excavation works (Section 6), a property can still be classed as adjoining even if it does not physically touch yours, provided it falls within the statutory distances.
Important: Every Adjoining Owner must receive a Notice.
What Happens After Serving Notice?
Once served, an Adjoining Owner can:
- Consent in writing – work may proceed after the notice period ends
- Dissent in writing – a formal dispute is triggered, requiring surveyors to be appointed
- Do nothing – after 14 days, this is treated as a dissent, and surveyors will intervene
⚖️ A dispute under the Act does not imply hostility between neighbours. It simply formalises rights, responsibilities, and protections in a Party Wall Award, prepared by an impartial surveyor.
How Simple Survey Can Help Building Owners
- Identify exactly which Notices you need to serve
- Conduct Land Registry checks to confirm legal ownership
- Draft and serve Notices on your behalf
- Liaise with neighbours to explain the process, helping to avoid conflict and unnecessary costs
How Simple Survey Can Help Adjoining Owners
- Review Notices you have received and explain your options
- Respond on your behalf if authorised
- Advise on next steps if work has started without notice
Expert Guidance from Simple Survey
At Simple Survey, we ensure Notices are served correctly and any disputes are resolved efficiently and fairly. As one of the most cost-effective Party Wall Surveyor services in the UK, we save you money while safeguarding your property.
📩 Contact us today: team@simplesurvey.co.uk