Party wall matters are rarely straightforward. Buildings sit close together, ownership can be layered (leaseholders, freeholders and management companies), and construction space is often tight. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is designed to keep these situations orderly by requiring notice, giving neighbours a clear response route, and providing a structured way to conclude matters when written consent is not provided.
At Simple Survey, we focus on three things: clarity, compliance, and momentum—so party wall procedure supports your project rather than becoming a source of delay.
Our Party Wall services
Party wall advice and initial assessment
We advise Building Owners and Adjoining Owners on:
- whether the Act is triggered
- which notice type(s) apply
- what information should be included
- how to programme the party wall process sensibly alongside your build timetable
Early checks matter. Many disputes arise because owners assume the Act is not relevant until late.
Party Wall Notices
Serving the correct notice—on the correct legal owners—sets the tone of the entire process. We can:
- identify the correct Adjoining Owners (including multi-owner and leasehold structures)
- prepare the correct notice type(s) depending on the works (Section 1, Section 3 and/or Section 6)
- serve notices properly and keep proof of service
- follow up to obtain a clear written response
Typical minimum notice periods are often:
- around 2 months for works to an existing party wall/party structure (commonly Section 2 served via Section 3 notice)
- around 1 month for boundary and excavation notices (commonly Section 1 and Section 6)
Party Wall Awards
Where written consent is not provided, surveyors are usually required and the party wall matter is commonly concluded by a Party Wall Award (through the Act’s dispute procedure).
A well-drafted Award should be:
- clear enough that both owners understand it
- practical enough that contractors can follow it
- proportionate to the risk and scale of the works
- structured so it is easier for the other surveyor to agree
We keep Awards focused on what matters: safe, lawful progress without unnecessary complexity.
Dispute resolution and communication management
Party wall disputes often escalate because communication becomes emotional or slow. We keep matters controlled by:
- keeping correspondence short and decision-led
- following up properly so files do not drift
- using familiar, standard drafting structures where appropriate
- focusing on solutions rather than point-scoring
A good party wall process is calm and structured—even when parties are stressed.
What are Party Wall Notices and why do they matter?
A Party Wall Notice is the formal written notification a Building Owner serves on Adjoining Owner(s) when proposed works fall within the Act.
Notices matter because they:
- are a legal requirement for certain works
- give neighbours a clear description of what is proposed and when
- create the procedural route to consent or formal dispute resolution
- reduce “surprise” and help prevent unmanaged conflict
The most expensive notices are the ones served late or served incorrectly, because they trigger re-service, delay and loss of trust.
Do you need a Party Wall Surveyor?
Not always. Surveyors are typically required where there is no written consent.
In practical terms:
- If the Adjoining Owner consents in writing, the matter may remain straightforward.
- If the Adjoining Owner dissents (or does not respond), surveyor procedures apply and an Award is commonly needed.
The purpose of surveyors is to conclude matters properly under the Act—not to create delay.
Who appoints the surveyor?
This depends on the response:
- Agreed Surveyor: both owners appoint one surveyor to act impartially for both (often quicker and more cost-effective overall).
- Two surveyors: each owner appoints their own surveyor.
Correct appointment and prompt progression are essential to avoid programme drift.
Get Cost Saving Pro Advice Now
If you need to serve a Party Wall Notice, respond to one, or progress to an Award, contact Simple Survey. We keep the process clear, lawful, and moving—without unnecessary drama. We are built around low-cost fixed-fee pricing and aim to be the UK’s cheapest party wall surveyors, without compromising professional standards.