A letter from a Party Wall Surveyor about works next door can feel unsettling. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 sets out clear rights and procedures—once you know them, it’s much easier to decide what to do.
First things first: what landed on your doormat?
- Formal Party Wall Notice (legal document): move to the response options below.
- Marketing/intro letter from a surveyor: some firms contact Adjoining Owners after checking planning applications. You’re under no obligation to engage them.
Whenever possible, speak to your neighbour early; a quick chat can clear up misunderstandings and reduce friction.
If anything is unclear, take independent advice—don’t rely on one view.
Which notice is it?
Different notices cover different types of work:
- Section 1 – New wall on or at the boundary (line of junction).
- Section 2 – Alterations to an existing party structure (party walls/floors).
- Section 6 – Excavation within 3–6 metres of your building (depth-dependent).
A compliant notice should explain what’s planned, when it may start, and how your property could be affected.
Your decision window
You normally have 14 days from service to reply in writing:
- Consent – You’re content for the works to proceed without an Award.
- Dissent – You want formal protections in place; this triggers appointment of surveyor(s) and the making of an Award.
If you need more detail before deciding, ask for drawings, methodology, and sequencing.
If you dissent: choosing surveyor arrangements
Two routes:
- One Agreed Surveyor acting impartially for both owners; or
- Each owner appoints their own surveyor (who can call on a third surveyor if needed).
What happens next:
- The surveyor(s) draft a Party Wall Award setting out scope, safeguards, access, working hours, and what happens if issues arise.
Read the Award like a contract of protections
Once served, check for:
- How the works will be carried out and when
- Access and site conduct provisions
- Damage procedures and timeframes
- Any special protections (monitoring, method statements, temporary works)
It’s designed to let the project proceed while protecting your property.
If damage occurs: remedies and compensation
Under the Act and the Award, you’re entitled to making good or compensation if the works cause loss or damage. The Award should explain how to notify, how it will be assessed, and how settlement is determined.
FAQs
Q1. What should I do if I receive a party wall notice?
If you receive a party wall notice from your neighbour, you should read it carefully and decide whether to consent to the works, dissent and appoint a surveyor, or request changes before construction begins.
Q2. How long do I have to respond to a party wall letter?
Under the Party Wall Act 1996, adjoining owners typically have 14 days to respond to a party wall notice. If no response is given, a dispute is automatically considered to have arisen.
Q3. Do I have to agree to the works mentioned in a party wall notice?
No. You can either consent to the works or dissent and appoint a party wall surveyor to ensure the proposed works are properly assessed and documented.
Q4. Who pays for the party wall surveyor?
In most cases, the building owner who intends to carry out the work pays for the reasonable costs of the party wall surveyor involved in resolving the matter.
Q5. What happens if I ignore a party wall notice?
If you ignore a party wall notice and do not respond within 14 days, the law assumes a dispute has arisen and surveyors may be appointed to resolve the issue.
Want impartial, low-cost guidance?
Email team@simplesurvey.co.uk for clear advice on notices, responses, surveyor appointments and Awards. Simple Survey are the lowest-cost party wall surveyors across England & Wales—professional, transparent, and focused on protecting your property and neighbourly relationships.