The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is one of the most misunderstood areas of property law. Misinformation often leads to confusion, disputes, and costly mistakes. To help homeowners and neighbours feel more confident, here are some of the most common myths about the Party Wall Act — and the truth behind them.
Myth 1: “I Don’t Need a Party Wall Notice if I Have Planning Permission”
Planning Permission and Building Regulations are entirely separate from the Party Wall Act. Even if you have full approval from the local authority, you may still need to serve notices on neighbours. The Act is about protecting adjoining owners’ rights, not assessing the design of your project.
Myth 2: “If My Neighbour Ignores the Notice, I Can Just Go Ahead”
Wrong. If your neighbour fails to respond within 14 days, the law treats this as dissent, and surveyors must be appointed. You cannot legally begin works until a Party Wall Award is in place. Starting early could lead to an injunction or even being ordered to take down completed work.
Myth 3: “Party Wall Surveyors Work for the Person Who Appoints Them”
In fact, surveyors have a statutory duty to act impartially. They do not represent the building owner or the adjoining owner. Their responsibility is to the Act itself, ensuring fairness for both parties and that works are carried out lawfully.
Myth 4: “It’s Too Expensive to Go Through the Party Wall Process”
While surveyor fees can vary, the cost of compliance is usually a fraction of the overall project budget. Trying to avoid the process often results in far greater costs if disputes arise. With Simple Survey, notices start from just £25 and awards are capped at £325, making compliance both affordable and predictable.
Myth 5: “Minor Works Don’t Need a Notice”
This one is partly true — small jobs like putting up shelves or replastering don’t require a notice. But as soon as the works affect the structure of a shared wall, or involve excavation near foundations, a notice is required.
Why Myths Matter
Believing these myths can put your project at serious risk. By understanding the truth, you can approach the Party Wall process with confidence, protect your investment, and maintain good neighbour relations.
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