Articles

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is a legal requirement, not an option. If you begin notifiable works without following the correct procedure, you could face serious consequences that may delay your project, increase costs, and damage relationships with neighbours. Here...

When a building project falls under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, both the building owner and adjoining owner(s) must appoint a surveyor if there is a dispute. In many cases, both parties choose to appoint their own surveyor, but there is another option: appointing a...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is UK legislation designed to manage and prevent disputes between neighbours when construction work affects shared or adjoining walls, boundary lines, or nearby structures. It applies to England and Wales, while Scotland and Northern...

If your neighbour plans construction that could affect a shared or adjoining wall, they are legally required under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 to serve you with a Party Wall Notice. This gives you advance warning of the works and outlines your rights as the adjoining...

When planning construction, it’s important to understand when the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies. Certain works involving shared walls, boundary structures, or excavations require a Party Wall Notice to be served on adjoining owners before work can begin. At Simple...

When planning any construction project that involves shared walls, boundary structures, or excavations near neighbouring properties, party wall matters should never be an afterthought. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 sets out the legal framework for managing these...

Hiring a trusted Party Wall Surveyor is essential if you want your construction project to run smoothly, remain compliant with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, and avoid unnecessary disputes. But not every surveyor offers the same level of expertise or reliability, so...

Are you planning construction work that may fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996? Perhaps you’ve already received a Party Wall Notice from your neighbour and are unsure of your next steps. Whether you’re the Building Owner or the Adjoining Owner, having the right...

A Party Wall Surveyor is a property professional who ensures that building works affecting shared walls, boundaries, or neighbouring structures comply with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Their role is to protect the interests of both the Building Owner (carrying out...

At Simple Survey, we provide expert, independent advice on all Party Wall matters across London, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, West Midlands and the North. Whether you’re a Building Owner planning works or an Adjoining Owner concerned about your property, our surveyors are...

1. What is a party wall, and when does the Party Wall Act apply? A party wall is a wall shared between two properties. The Act applies if you plan to carry out works that could affect this shared structure, such as extensions, structural alterations, inserting beams,...

Party wall matters cover agreements and disputes relating to shared or boundary walls, as well as excavations close to neighbouring properties. These are regulated by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, which ensures works are carried out lawfully while protecting the...

Definition A Party Wall Agreement is a legally binding document that sets out the rights and obligations of neighbours whose properties share a boundary or are situated close enough for building works to have an impact. Under the Party Wall Act 1996 (applicable in...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 was introduced in England and Wales to reduce disputes between neighbours by ensuring that property owners follow a fair and structured process when carrying out certain types of work. The Act requires the use of surveyors to determine how...

The Three Different Party Wall Notices & When They’re Needed Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, a Building Owner may be required to serve one of three different types of notice on an Adjoining Owner before starting works. These notices ensure that neighbours are...

If your neighbour has begun building work without first securing a Party Wall Agreement, it can be worrying and frustrating. Understanding your rights under the Party Wall Act 1996 is key to protecting your property and avoiding unnecessary disputes. Why This Matters...

We’ve answered some of the most common questions about the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 below. Do I need a Party Wall Award? A Party Wall Award isn’t always mandatory, but it provides valuable protection for both Building Owners and Adjoining Owners. For the Building...

If you are an Adjoining Owner (a neighbour to proposed works) and receive a Party Wall Notice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, you have 14 days to respond. During this period, it’s important to carefully consider your options and how best to safeguard your...

For many property owners, the Party Wall process can feel complicated. With so much conflicting information out there, it’s no surprise that misunderstandings are common. To help you avoid mistakes and costly disputes, we’ve debunked some of the most frequent myths...

In the early 1990s, Parliament recognised the growing number of neighbourly boundary disputes and introduced the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 to provide a clear framework for resolving them fairly. The Act grants Building Owners (or developers) certain rights to carry out...

If you’ve been served a Party Wall Notice, it’s important to act quickly. You typically have just 14 days to respond. Failing to do so may allow your neighbour’s surveyor to be appointed on your behalf. To avoid unnecessary complications or costs, get in touch with us...

A party wall is a wall shared by two adjoining properties, even if it stands entirely on the land of one owner. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 also covers other party structures, such as floors separating flats, and party fence walls, such as boundary walls that...

When planning building works near a shared boundary, the question of a Party Wall Surveyor often arises. But what exactly do they do—and why are they so important? Here’s how these professionals protect your rights, prevent disputes, and ensure your project complies...

At Simple Survey, we act for: Building Owners carrying out works Adjoining Owners affected by works Or as an Agreed Surveyor acting impartially for both parties Our role is to ensure compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, protecting both sides and helping...

Whether you’re planning a home extension, loft conversion, basement excavation, or any construction work near a boundary, you must comply with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. At Simple Survey, our experienced Party Wall Surveyors provide clear, impartial guidance to...

A Party Wall Agreement—commonly also known as a Party Wall Award—is the legal document prepared under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. It is drawn up either by two surveyors (one representing each owner) or by a single impartial Agreed Surveyor acting for both parties....

If you’re planning work to a party wall, boundary wall, or neighbouring structure, or you’ve received a Party Wall Notice and aren’t sure how to respond, our experienced surveyors can guide you every step of the way. We specialise in managing projects covered by the...

A Party Wall Surveyor is an expert who helps manage building projects that affect shared walls, boundary structures, or nearby foundations. Their role is essential whether you are the property owner, a neighbour, or a developer. Key Responsibilities Advising on Party...

What is a Party Wall Surveyor? A Party Wall Surveyor is an independent professional, appointed under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, to help resolve disputes between property owners when notifiable works are planned. Their role is to make a legally binding decision,...

What is a Party Wall Notice? A Party Wall Notice is a formal legal document served by a Building Owner on an Adjoining Owner before carrying out certain types of construction work. These works are classed as “notifiable works” under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, such...

Loft conversions are one of the most popular ways to create extra living space without moving. Converting unused roof space into bedrooms, offices, or studios is a smart investment—but many homeowners overlook the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, which can apply even if...

We provide clear, expert guidance to property owners, adjoining neighbours, and design teams on the requirements of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Our role is to ensure all statutory duties are met, protect the interests of all parties, and resolve disputes fairly and...

What is a Party Wall Award?A Party Wall Award is a legally binding document issued by one or more appointed Party Wall Surveyors under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. It sets out how and when notifiable works may proceed and determines responsibility for surveyors’...

Certain building activities require compliance with the Party Wall Act before work begins. These notifiable works include: Work on Existing Party Walls: Demolition and rebuilding Underpinning Inserting structural beams Raising or lowering wall height Adding a...

Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, a Party Wall Surveyor acts in a statutory role, not a contractual one. This means the surveyor is formally appointed under the Act and does not act as a traditional “client’s” advisor. Their duty is to both parties, and their role...

A party wall is a wall that stands on land belonging to two or more property owners. It may form part of a building, such as the wall between terraced or semi-detached houses, or be a shared garden wall. In some cases, it can also be a wall built entirely on one...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 has been in force for over 29 years, yet many homeowners and developers remain uncertain about when it applies. The Act is designed to protect neighbouring properties during construction, covering not only houses but also barns,...

Building work often affects neighbouring properties, especially when it involves a shared or boundary wall. In many cases, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies. If it does, you may need to serve notice and appoint a Party Wall Surveyor. What Is a Party Wall?A party...

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...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is legislation that provides homeowners with the legal right to carry out certain works on or near a property boundary. It also sets out how neighbours must be notified and establishes a clear process for resolving any disputes. The Act is...

If you own a property and plan to carry out certain types of construction, you may be classed as a Building Owner under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This means you may have to notify your neighbours before starting work. What Counts as “Notifiable” Work? Notifiable...

An Adjoining Owner is anyone who owns property neighbouring a Building Owner planning works covered by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This includes not only freeholders but also leaseholders with a tenancy exceeding 12 months. Notices and ResponsesAs an Adjoining...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 has been in force for a year shy of 30 years, yet many homeowners remain uncertain about when it applies. The legislation was designed to prevent disputes and safeguard neighbouring properties during construction projects. When Does the...

If a Party Wall Notice has just landed through your door, you may be wondering what it means. In simple terms, it indicates that your neighbour intends to carry out construction work covered by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. These works have the potential to affect...

Why Simple Survey? Expert Guidance from Start to Finish Planning building works near a shared wall or boundary? Our specialist Party Wall Surveyors make the process simple and stress-free. We handle everything: Review your proposed works in detail Identify which...

You must serve a Party Wall Notice if your planned building work falls under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Common situations include: Altering, cutting into, or building against a shared (party) wall. Making changes to a party structure or a shared boundary wall...

If you’ve been served with a Party Wall Notice, you have a few possible courses of action. How you respond will determine what happens next and how your rights are protected under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. ✅ Option 1: Consent to the Works In many cases, the...

The cost of obtaining a Party Wall Agreement (legally referred to as a Party Wall Award) varies depending on the complexity of the works and the surveyors involved. For straightforward matters, costs are usually modest, particularly when surveyors work proactively to...

Whether a Party Wall Agreement is required will depend on how your extension interacts with shared walls, boundary lines, and neighbouring foundations. When a Party Wall Agreement is Required Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, you must serve a Party Wall Notice and...