Articles

As a Building Owner planning construction that might affect a shared or boundary wall, it's important to understand your legal rights and responsibilities under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Here, we outline the essential points regarding your rights and obligations...

If you're a developer planning a construction project, you’re likely aware that the Party Wall Act plays an essential role when working close to boundaries or shared structures. Whether you’re extending, carrying out excavation works, or modifying a boundary wall,...

When clients come to us for help with projects affected by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, one of the first concerns they raise is the potential cost. Party wall awards often feel like an additional expense with no clear benefit to the building owner. After all, they...

If you're planning to undertake building works that could impact a shared boundary or wall, serving Party Wall Notices is a critical part of the process. In this article, we provide an overview of Party Wall Notices and share key tips on how to serve them effectively....

When it comes to building works that might affect a party wall, it’s essential to understand the Party Wall Act 1996 and your rights as an Adjoining Owner. If you're unsure about how to proceed, especially when comparing surveyor quotes, this guide can help clarify...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 covers various types of work, including: Work on an existing party wall or party structureThis includes alterations to or modifications of a shared wall or structure, such as the insertion of beams or joists, or the removal of chimney...

If you find that your neighbour has started building work without serving a Party Wall Notice, it can be concerning, especially if you worry about potential damage to your property. It's important to understand your rights and responsibilities under the Party Wall...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 came into force on 1 July 1997 and applies throughout England and Wales. The Act does not apply to Scotland or Northern Ireland. The Act provides a legal framework for addressing or preventing disputes regarding party walls, party...

If you've served Party Wall Notices on your neighbour and they’ve dissented, appointing their own surveyor, a third surveyor will be chosen by the two appointed surveyors to resolve any deadlock. But what exactly does the third surveyor do? Here’s a breakdown of their...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 gives the Building Owner (the person carrying out the work) specific rights to perform certain types of work on a shared party wall that extend beyond common law rights. According to Section 2 of the Act, the most common types of work...

Imagine this: you’re ready to extend your home and have carefully followed all the necessary steps. You’ve engaged a party wall surveyor, prepared your notices, and served them to your neighbour. Everything’s been done by the book, but now you’re facing a...

When you’re dealing with party wall issues, things can quickly become complicated. The Party Wall Act is clear about who needs to do what, especially in the event of a dispute. If an adjoining owner dissents to the party wall notice, the building owner must appoint a...

notice to their neighbors under this important piece of legislation. However, the process can be a bit complex, leading many to still be uncertain about what notifiable works are, and when notices need to be issued. Following up on our recent video (and companion...

When you're carrying out building work on your property, you may encounter situations where you need to access areas that are usually off-limits, most commonly when erecting scaffolding on your neighbour’s land. Navigating this can often be confusing, especially in...

Let’s say your neighbour is undertaking construction work, and during the process, your property is damaged. Construction can be noisy, messy, and disruptive, so it’s not uncommon for accidents to occur. But the real question is: how do you determine who’s at fault,...

At Simple Survey, our expert team of chartered surveyors based in Southampton assists clients with Party Wall matters on a daily basis. In this article, we provide a brief overview of the Party Wall Act, explaining its purpose, how it applies when planning an...

If you're planning to carry out construction work that affects a shared boundary or wall with your neighbour, it’s essential to serve a Party Wall Notice. This is a legal requirement under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. But how do you go about serving one, and what...

The concept of a "party wall" can be confusing for property owners, especially when it comes to understanding when and how the Party Wall Act 1996 applies. Both property owners and adjacent neighbours may have questions about what qualifies as a party wall and whether...

When planning building works near a boundary, Party Wall Notices are crucial but often overlooked. Serving them correctly and on time is vital to avoid delays, confusion, and unexpected costs. Many Building Owners leave it to the last minute, only to find themselves...

At Simple Survey, we frequently receive queries regarding which parties need to be served Party Wall Notices when a neighbouring property is split between a freeholder and one or more leaseholders. In this article, we clarify these roles and guide you through the...

What Is a Party Wall? A party wall is a wall that sits on the boundary line between two properties, either forming part of a building or serving as a dividing structure, such as a masonry garden wall (not including wooden fences or hedges). It can also be a wall...

As surveyors, we frequently receive inquiries from property owners asking, "I need a party wall agreement—can you help?" The short answer is yes, but let’s break things down a bit first. Surveyors are responsible for preparing what is officially known as a Party Wall...

Are you a neighbour concerned about potential damage from upcoming construction works, or a building owner planning a home renovation? Whether you’re starting a new project or responding to one, it’s natural to worry about the possibility of damage during...

Occasionally, we come across situations where someone is in the middle of party wall proceedings, and then a change in property ownership occurs. This can leave people confused about what steps to take, especially when the adjoining owner is selling their property...

When planning a construction project, understanding the costs involved is crucial—especially when it comes to the Party Wall process. Costs can quickly add up, and it's important to account for every part of the process, including the often-overlooked Party Wall...

The Act recognises two main types of party walls: Party Wall Type A A party wall is defined as a wall that straddles the boundary line between two (or more) properties. This type of wall can serve various purposes: It is part of a single building, or It separates two...

In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps of creating and delivering a legally compliant party wall notice, making sure you're clear about every stage of the process. What Are the Three Types of Party Wall Notices?Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, there are...

Receiving a Party Wall Notice can be a bit daunting, especially if you’ve never encountered one before. It's a common concern for neighbours when they’re notified about construction work happening next door, and it’s easy to get confused about what your rights are and...

When carrying out construction work near shared boundaries, a common concern is the possibility of damage to an adjoining property. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 provides a mechanism to protect neighbouring property owners by allowing them to request security for...

What is a Party Wall?A party wall refers to a shared wall between two or more properties, typically aligned with the boundary line, though it can also include a wall located entirely on one property if it supports an adjacent structure. Additionally, a freestanding...

At Simple Survey, we often receive last-minute requests from building owners eager to start their construction works immediately, only to realise they haven't yet served a Party Wall Notice. In this article, we break down the typical timescales involved in securing a...

If you’re planning construction or excavation near a shared boundary, it’s crucial to get your Party Wall Notice right. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of drafting and serving a valid Party Wall Notice, ensuring you stay compliant every step of the...

If you’re planning a home extension, loft conversion, or any structural changes, it's essential to understand your responsibilities under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This is one area that can unexpectedly disrupt your project if you aren’t fully prepared. Many...

Today, we're focusing on how to appeal a Party Wall Award, including what Section 10(17) of the Party Wall Act 1996 says about the appeals process. The law allows either party involved in a dispute to challenge an Award by appealing to the County Court within 14 days...

If you’ve ever been involved in a property dispute, especially one relating to a party wall, you know how important it is to have expert guidance on your side. Surveyors are the professionals who provide this expertise, helping to navigate issues such as boundaries,...

If you're planning any building work that affects a shared wall or boundary with a neighbour, it’s a legal obligation to serve a Party Wall Notice. While it might seem overwhelming, this guide will help you confidently understand and navigate the process. Whether...

When planning construction or renovation projects, every property owner has one priority in mind—budget. Whether it’s adding an extension, converting your attic, or digging a basement, ensuring your financial plan covers everything is essential. This includes not only...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is a crucial piece of legislation that governs construction work involving shared walls, boundary walls, and excavations near neighbouring properties. It applies throughout England and Wales and aims to prevent or resolve disputes related...

If your neighbour is planning construction work that affects a shared boundary or structure, they are required by law to serve you with a Party Wall Notice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Unfortunately, some Building Owners either don’t know about this requirement...

A party wall is any wall, boundary, or structure shared between two households. This is common in terraced or semi-detached homes, but can also apply to detached properties if you share a garden wall or boundary line. If your planned work impacts a party wall or...

A party wall is a wall that sits on the boundary line between two adjoining properties or buildings. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 distinguishes two main types of party walls: Type A Party Wall: This is a wall that physically stands on the land of two different owners,...

Renovating your home can be exciting — a chance to refresh your space and add value. But before the builders arrive and the work begins, it’s important to think about who might be affected by your construction. In the UK, you’re legally required to inform your...

Whether you get along with your neighbours or not, construction work next door can be noisy and disruptive — especially if you weren’t warned beforehand. In the UK, the law requires you to notify your neighbour before starting certain building works, and they have...

When Party Wall notices are served, adjoining owners have three options: consent to the works, dissent and appoint their own surveyor (or agree on a third surveyor), or do nothing. If they take no action, this is considered a deemed dissent, and a surveyor will be...

When budgeting for a building project, many homeowners forget to account for the cost of complying with the Party Wall etc Act 1996. This legal requirement is often overlooked until a neighbour raises concerns, but serving notice before starting notifiable works is...

If you’re planning building work near a shared wall or boundary, you may need a party wall agreement to stay within the law and avoid disputes. What Is a Party Wall Agreement? A party wall agreement is a legal document that confirms your neighbour has been informed...

If you are planning to build close to or on a wall that is shared with a neighbour, there are legal steps you may need to take before starting any work. This includes getting the correct agreement in place and giving written notice to those affected. This guide...

If your property shares a wall with a neighbouring building, known as a party wall, and you are planning construction work, you may need to involve a party wall surveyor. This can add paperwork and increase your overall building costs. But what does a party wall...

When planning construction near a shared boundary, serving a Party Wall Notice is a legal requirement under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. But what happens if your neighbour simply ignores this notice? This guide explains the steps you should take to keep your project...

Many people wonder when it’s necessary to appoint a Party Wall Surveyor. This article explains the key points clearly to help understand when their involvement is required. First, it’s important to understand what the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is. This legislation,...