Articles
How to Avoid Party Wall Disputes
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...
Appealing a Party Wall Award – What You Need to Know
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...
Ex Parte Surveyor in a Party Wall Dispute
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,...
Complete Guide on Serving a Party Wall Notice
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...
Budgeting for Party Wall Works: What You Need to Know
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...
What Does the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 Do?
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...
A Neighbour’s Guide to Party Wall Notices
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...
What is a Party Wall Notice and Do You Need One?
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...
What Exactly Is a Party Wall?
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,...
Understanding Party Wall Notices: What You Need to Know Before Starting Construction
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...
A Simple Guide to the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
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...
Understanding Party Wall Notices and Awards
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...
Understanding Party Wall Surveyor Fees
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...
Party Wall Agreement: A Simple Guide
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...
Understanding Party Wall Agreements
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...
Party Wall Surveyor Costs: What You Need to Know
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...
What to Do if Your Neighbour Ignores a Party Wall Notice
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...
When is a Party Wall Surveyor Needed?
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,...
What Is the Party Wall Act?
If you or your neighbour are planning construction such as a kitchen extension, loft conversion, rearranging internal spaces, or digging out a basement, your project might fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. The Party Wall Act is a key legal framework in England...
How to Settle Party Wall Disputes
When undertaking building work near a shared boundary, disagreements with neighbours can quickly cause delays. Fortunately, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 offers a clear and fair process to resolve disputes without resorting to expensive court proceedings. Whether...
What You Should Know About Loft Conversion Party Wall Agreements
Overview of Loft Conversion Party Wall Agreements Converting your loft is a great way to create extra space and increase the value of your home. However, if your project affects a shared or adjoining wall, you’ll need to follow the legal requirements set out in the...
Can a Party Wall Agreement Be Refused
Yes, an adjoining property owner can refuse to consent to a Party Wall Agreement. Understanding the reasons behind such a refusal and the legal framework is important. An adjoining owner may object to the proposed works due to concerns about potential damage, disputes...
Understanding Party Wall Agreements: A Homeowner’s Complete Guide
If you’re planning work on your property that involves a shared wall, boundary, or nearby structure, you might come across the term "Party Wall Agreement." For many homeowners in England and Wales, this is a legal requirement that can come as a surprise during...
When to Serve a Party Wall Notice: A Complete Guide for Homeowners
If you're planning any building work near a shared wall or boundary, it's important to understand when Party Wall Notices should be served. Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, these notices are a legal requirement designed to notify neighbours in advance and help...
Who is Responsible for the Costs of a Party Wall Agreement?
A frequent question about Party Wall Agreements is: who pays for them? The simple answer is that the Building Owner usually covers the costs. According to the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, the Building Owner is the person or entity carrying out the construction work....
Has Your Neighbour Proposed Building Works? Received a Party Wall Notice?
If a Party Wall Notice has been served in relation to proposed construction works nearby, it’s important for adjoining property owners to understand their rights and obligations under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This legislation ensures that neighbours are properly...
Received a Party Wall Notice from Your Neighbour? Here’s What to Do Next
Receiving a Party Wall Notice from a neighbour can feel overwhelming—especially if it's your first time dealing with one. But don’t worry, this guide will walk you through what it means, your rights, and what steps you should take next to protect your property and...
Who Is Responsible for Party Wall Damage Costs?
Overview of Party Wall Damage Party wall disputes frequently arise between neighbours, particularly during building or renovation projects. When construction work impacts a shared wall—through vibrations, digging nearby, or structural changes—damage can occur. A...
What Is a ‘Party Wall’?
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996, which came into effect on July 1, 1997, is now an established part of English law. It defines the rights and responsibilities that anyone planning construction work involving party walls or related structures must follow. It’s important...
Party Wall Basics: What Every Property Owner Should Know
If you own a property in the UK and are planning construction work near a shared boundary, it’s important to understand the fundamentals of the Party Wall Act. This law was created to regulate building activities that might affect party walls, party structures, or...
Key Considerations When Choosing a Party Wall Surveyor
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 defines a surveyor under Section 20 as an impartial individual appointed to resolve disputes arising under the Act. However, the law does not specify that this surveyor must hold any particular professional qualification, nor does it...
Hiring a Party Wall Surveyor to Prepare Your Notices is a Smart Move
While it might seem like a simple way to save money by preparing your own party wall notices, this approach often backfires. When neighbours receive a notice that looks like a generic template from the internet or one drafted by a builder, it can raise red flags. This...
Why Have a Party Wall Agreement?
When undertaking a renovation or extension, it’s natural to focus on the finished result. However, if your plans involve work on or near a shared wall or boundary, securing a Party Wall Agreement is a crucial legal step. Required under the UK’s Party Wall etc. Act...
An Introduction to Party Wall Procedures Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 sets out the legal framework for managing construction work involving shared walls, boundary walls, and excavations close to neighbouring properties. Because this legislation can be quite detailed and complex, Simple Survey aims to...
Building Owner Advice
If you’re planning work that falls under the Party Wall Act, it’s important to start preparing well in advance. Depending on the type of work, notice periods range from one to two months, but more complex projects may require longer to agree on a party wall award. We...
Adjoining Owner Advice
Often, an adjoining owner only becomes aware of planned works when they receive a party wall notice from their neighbour. Upon receiving this notice, the adjoining owner can either agree (consent) or disagree (dissent) with the proposed work. If no response is given...
Step-by-Step Process to the Party Wall Act
If you're planning construction or renovation work that involves a shared wall, boundary, or structure, understanding the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is essential. Whether you're a first-time property owner or an experienced developer, this guide will help you navigate...
When and How to Serve a Party Wall Notice
If your construction project involves work on or near a shared boundary, serving a party wall notice is a crucial legal step. Whether you own the property or are developing it, knowing when and how to issue this notice can help prevent disputes and keep your project...
What to Do If You Receive a Party Wall Notice
If you've been served a Party Wall Notice, it means your neighbour is planning construction work that could affect a shared wall, boundary, or nearby structure on your property. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is designed to provide a fair process for resolving issues...
Understanding Party Wall Surveying Requirements
If you’re planning a construction, renovation, or extension project in England & Wales, understanding party wall surveying is critical. This service ensures that your work complies with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996—a piece of legislation designed to govern...
Hiring a Party Wall Surveyor: Everything You Need to Know
Are you planning construction work that could affect a shared wall or boundary with your neighbour? You may need a qualified party wall surveyor to ensure your project complies with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Whether you're looking for a "party wall surveyor near...
Basement Conversions: The Importance of a Party Wall Agreement
Thinking about transforming your basement? A basement conversion is a smart way to add living space and boost your property's value. But if your home shares walls with neighboring properties, there's an essential legal step you can’t afford to miss: securing a Party...
Party Wall Surveying: A Comprehensive Guide
When undertaking construction or renovation work on your property, especially if it impacts a shared wall or boundary with your neighbour, party walls can become a source of concern and confusion. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 provides a legal framework for managing...
Party Wall Agreements for Loft Conversions
In the realm of property development and home improvement, understanding legal agreements is crucial. This is especially true for loft conversions, where Party Wall Agreements often come into play. While the process may appear complex at first, it’s a fundamental step...
Party Wall Matters: Essential Guide
If you're a homeowner planning renovation or construction work in England and Wales, understanding the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is essential. The Act governs any work that may impact a party wall—a shared wall or structure between two adjoining properties. Whether...
How to Serve a Party Wall Notice in London
Navigating the legal complexities of property development can be challenging, especially when it involves shared boundaries. In London, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 provides the legal framework for carrying out building works that may affect shared structures between...
Home Extensions and the Party Wall Act
Extending or renovating your home can significantly enhance its usability, visual appeal, and market value. However, such projects often involve shared boundaries or walls, making it essential to comply with Party Wall regulations. Understanding and managing these...
Finding the Right Party Wall Surveyor
Are you planning construction or renovation work that may affect a shared wall or boundary with your neighbor? You may need a Party Wall Surveyor to ensure your project complies with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. At Simple Survey, we specialize in providing...
Handling Damage to a Neighbor’s Property
Navigating property investment can be complex, especially when it involves legal responsibilities. One area that often causes uncertainty is the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, a key law for property owners and developers. This legislation governs the rights and duties of...
Understanding the Party Wall Act
When carrying out property improvements such as extensions, renovations, or groundworks, it's common to encounter shared boundaries or walls with neighbouring properties. In these instances, the Party Wall Act 1996 plays a crucial role. This legislation, applicable in...