Articles

Before you get stuck into that loft conversion or home extension, make sure you're legally covered. If your project affects a shared wall, boundary, or structure between properties, you may need a Party Wall Agreement under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This...

Once served, you have 14 days to respond. Here are your three main options: ✅ Consent to the Works You can choose to give your consent. But beware – by doing this, you’ll also take on liability for any damage to your property. 🔍 Dissent – Use the Same Surveyor You may...

If you’re planning building works that may impact a neighbour’s property, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 could apply — and ignoring it can lead to costly delays. When Does the Act Apply? The Act is designed to manage disputes between neighbours when proposed building...

While often associated with residential extensions or loft conversions, party wall matters are just as critical in commercial settings – especially when it comes to construction, renovation, or redevelopment. From retail complexes to office buildings and industrial...

Before you even think about serving a Party Wall Notice, we strongly recommend having a chat with your neighbour (or neighbours) first. It’s a simple yet effective way to get the conversation started and ensure your building project goes smoothly from the outset. Why...

When you’re embarking on property renovations or building work near a shared boundary, you might come across the term “Party Wall Surveyor.” But what exactly does this professional do, and why is their role so crucial? Here’s everything you need to know about how a...

When your neighbour undertakes construction work, it’s possible for damage to occur to your property. Typically, this damage happens unintentionally by the builder or contractor and is of no benefit to your neighbour, as they’ll ultimately need to resolve the issue....

Planning building works that affect a shared wall or boundary? Or perhaps you've received a Party Wall Notice and aren’t sure how to respond? Whether you're a Building Owner or Adjoining Owner, understanding your rights under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is essential...

The Party Wall Act 1996 covers a variety of construction-related activities, which are grouped into three distinct categories. Each category outlines different works that may require your neighbour's consent, and some may involve specific procedures under the Act....

Maintaining shared (party) walls isn’t just about good upkeep – it’s about protecting your home, staying legally compliant, and keeping neighbourly relations on solid ground. Here’s how to stay on top of your party wall responsibilities. 🔍 Carry Out Regular...

Receiving a Party Wall Notice can feel daunting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the legal process. It means your neighbour intends to carry out construction works that may affect a shared wall or boundary—and your response plays a vital role in protecting your...

If you’re dealing with building works near a shared boundary or have received a Party Wall Notice, understanding the terminology is essential. Here’s a helpful glossary of commonly used terms under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996: Party Wall A wall or structure shared by...

If your neighbour is planning works that involve a shared wall, a boundary line, or any nearby excavation, they’re legally required to notify you under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. As an Adjoining Owner, you have specific rights and protections under the law — and...

If you’ve received or are serving a Party Wall Notice, you’ll need a qualified surveyor to guide the process. One effective option—often overlooked—is appointing an Agreed Surveyor: a single professional who acts fairly and independently for both parties under the...

Building or renovating near a shared boundary? Staying on good terms with your neighbour is key. Here are five practical tips to help you avoid disputes under the Party Wall Act: 1. Communicate Early and Openly Talk to your neighbour before starting work. Sharing your...

When it comes to property renovations or building works near shared boundaries, the term "adjoining owner" often comes up. But what does it really mean, and what does it mean for you if you’ve received a party wall notice? Here’s a breakdown of what being an adjoining...

Serving a Party Wall Notice is a crucial step when carrying out work near a shared boundary, but to make sure your notice is valid, you must include specific information. If even one key detail is missing, the notice could be deemed invalid, and you’ll be forced to...

Under Section 10(1) of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, when a dispute arises after a party wall notice is served, the Act provides two options for appointing surveyors: Option (a): Both parties agree on appointing a single surveyor, known as the agreed surveyor. Option...

Unsure about how the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 works and what steps you should take? To clarify, here’s a straightforward guide on the key procedures. What Is the Party Wall Act? The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 provides a legal framework for preventing and resolving...

When it comes to property projects, Party Wall Agreements can be one of the most misunderstood aspects. From misconceptions about when you need one, to the belief that they’re just a hassle, we’re here to set the record straight. Here are the most common myths...

This is one of the most common questions we receive—and for good reason. Many homeowners assume they can step onto a neighbour’s land to carry out repairs or maintenance to their own property. But the reality is more complex. There are only four lawful ways to access...

Here's a practical summary of when you must serve notice—and when you don't. When You Must Serve a Party Wall Notice You are legally required to serve notice on your neighbour (the adjoining owner) if you plan to carry out any of the following types of work: 1....

The short answer is yes, but there are several important factors to consider. While it may seem like a cost-effective option, serving your own notices can often lead to costly mistakes and delays. Here’s why. The Cost of Serving Your Own Notices Surveyor’s Fees for...

If you’re planning construction or renovation near a shared boundary or wall in England or Wales, the Party Wall Act 1996 is a crucial piece of legislation you need to be aware of. Designed to prevent disputes between neighbours and protect property rights, the Act...

The Party Wall Act 1996 is a crucial piece of legislation that governs construction work near shared boundaries, protecting the interests of property owners. However, despite its long-standing presence, there are still many misconceptions about its application. We’re...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is an essential piece of legislation in England and Wales that governs construction or renovation work involving shared or adjoining walls between properties. While the Act aims to prevent disputes, damage to party walls during building...

When it comes to construction work near property boundaries, clear communication and legal compliance are essential to avoid disputes. One key legal document in this process is the Line of Junction Notice. Primarily used under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, this notice...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 has been in place for over 20 years, yet many building owners still find it confusing. As a result, Party Wall Surveyors are often appointed to ensure compliance with the Act’s requirements. The Party Wall Act governs work directly...

When undertaking building work that affects shared boundaries, few laws are as crucial as the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This Act is particularly important when carrying out underpinning or structural repairs, as these works can significantly impact the stability and...

If you're planning construction or renovation works that may affect your property boundary, the Party Wall Act 1996 gives you specific rights to access your neighbour's land in certain circumstances. These rights ensure that necessary works, such as building,...

Party wall drawings are specialised architectural plans that illustrate the shared wall(s) between two neighbouring properties. These drawings are crucial whenever any building work impacts a party wall, ensuring the wall’s stability and the safety of both properties...

Whether you're renovating your home, building an extension, or carrying out structural work near a neighbouring property, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 plays a vital role in ensuring all parties' rights are protected. A party wall survey is an essential part of this...

Key Takeaways: A party wall is a shared structure, typically built on the boundary line between two properties. Governed by the Party Wall Act 1996, understanding your rights and responsibilities helps avoid disputes and ensures a smooth building process. What is a...

When planning construction near a shared boundary, a Party Wall Notice must be served on the adjoining owner. This is necessary if you intend to build a new structure on or near the boundary, carry out repairs to a party wall, or excavate within 3 metres of your...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 regulates construction work on or near property boundaries, including excavation and foundation work close to neighbouring properties. This important legislation applies only in England and Wales—it does not extend to Scotland or Northern...

When embarking on building works that impact a shared wall, you’ll likely encounter the term Party Wall Award — but what does it really mean? Often confused with other terms like Party Wall Agreement or Party Wall Notice, these are distinct legal concepts. In this...

When you're planning home improvements near a shared boundary, you may need to serve a Party Wall Notice under the Party Wall Act 1996. This legal requirement notifies your neighbours about upcoming construction, ensuring they have a chance to raise any concerns. Yet,...

While obtaining planning permission and Building Regulations approval is essential for ensuring the safety and legality of your construction project, these permits don’t cover the "neighbourly" issues that often arise when working near shared or adjacent structures....

When carrying out home improvements near a shared boundary, it’s common to be required to appoint a Party Wall Surveyor under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. However, it’s not unusual for homeowners to be surprised by the fact that their neighbour’s surveyor charges...

When a Building Owner plans to carry out construction work near or on a party wall, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 comes into play. This piece of legislation is designed to protect both the Building Owner and the Adjoining Owner (neighbour) from the impact of such work....

If you’re planning any construction near a shared wall or boundary, you’ll need to understand the Party Wall Act 1996. Here’s how to ensure your Party Wall Notice is legally valid and what steps you must take to stay compliant. What is the Party Wall Act 1996? The...

Navigating the Party Wall Act 1996 requires a solid understanding of various procedures, not least of which is the fee structure for party wall surveying. Whether you’re the Building Owner or Adjoining Owner, knowing who pays what, and what determines the costs, is...

If you're planning a home extension, building close to a neighbour’s property, or undertaking basement works, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is highly relevant. But what does the law actually allow you to do—and when can you lawfully exercise those rights? Whether...

Navigating construction works near party walls can be tricky—especially when it comes to compensation for the inconvenience and damage caused. If you’re a Building Owner or Adjoining Owner, it’s essential to understand the legal framework surrounding party wall...

Planning construction near a boundary or shared wall? You may need to hire a Party Wall Surveyor to ensure you comply with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Before you dive into the hiring process, it’s crucial to understand what a surveyor does and how to pick the right...

When it comes to expanding or reconfiguring your property, removing or modifying load-bearing walls can be an effective way to create more space. However, before you pick up a sledgehammer, it’s essential to fully understand the structural implications of such...

Terminating the services of a party wall surveyor can be tricky, but it's important to follow the correct procedures to protect your interests and avoid further disputes. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to manage this process smoothly. Step 1: Notify the Surveyor...

At Simple Survey, we understand that building projects can be stressful, and maintaining good relationships with your neighbours is just as important as safeguarding your property rights. The Party Wall Act is crucial legislation in England & Wales, regulating...

If you're planning construction work covered by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, it’s crucial to understand your responsibilities as the building owner. One of your key duties is notifying your neighbours in writing before starting any work that may affect shared walls,...

A party wall is a wall shared by two or more property owners. The most common example is the dividing wall between two houses, but it can also include floors and ceilings in flats (known as party structures) or garden walls and boundary walls (referred to as party...