Articles

Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, a Party Wall Surveyor is defined as “any person not being a party to the matter appointed or selected under section 10 to determine disputes.” In practice, this means the surveyor is an independent professional appointed to oversee...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is one of the most misunderstood areas of property law. Misinformation often leads to confusion, disputes, and costly mistakes. To help homeowners and neighbours feel more confident, here are some of the most common myths about the Party...

A Party Wall Award is a legally binding document made under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. It is prepared by surveyors to resolve disputes between property owners when building works affect a shared wall, boundary, or nearby structure. The Award sets out each owner’s...

When an Adjoining Owner receives a Party Wall Notice, one of the most common questions we’re asked at Simple Survey is: Should I appoint my own surveyor, or use the Building Owner’s surveyor as an agreed surveyor? Both routes are permitted under the Party Wall etc....

Planning construction and need clarity on your duties under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996? Simple Survey supports homeowners, developers, and neighbours across England and Wales with specialist, fixed-fee advice that keeps projects compliant, transparent, and...

When carrying out building works that fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, Building Owners are legally required to serve the correct Party Wall Notice on all affected neighbours (the Adjoining Owners). The Act applies to: New buildings on or at a boundary line...

If you’ve received a Party Wall Notice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, it’s important to respond — but what happens if you don’t? Likewise, as a Building Owner, you need to know your legal rights if your neighbour chooses to ignore your notice. This guide explains...

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that a Party Wall Surveyor does not act solely for the person who appoints them. Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, the surveyor’s duty is to the Act itself, meaning they must act impartially to protect the interests of both the...

Free initial adviceWe keep everything clear and uncomplicated. Our pricing is transparent, competitive, and—wherever possible—fixed, so you’ll know the costs before any work starts. Service of Notice — £25 + VAT (plus Land Registry fees) A fixed fee covering...

Fees are often a source of concern in party wall matters—both for those who must pay them and for those tasked with setting what is reasonable. Questions also frequently arise about when fees should be paid. It’s important to note that an Award cannot be withheld or...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may seem complex, but it doesn’t need to be. Below are the key terms you’ll most likely encounter when dealing with Party Wall matters, explained in plain English. Building Owner The person (or company) planning to carry out the works....

When planning building works near a boundary, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 requires you to serve the correct type of Party Wall Notice. Choosing the right one is crucial — the wrong notice could cause disputes, delays, and even force you to restart the process. Here’s...

If you’re planning building works in London, you may need to serve a Party Wall Notice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. At Simple Survey, we provide clear, practical advice on whether your works are notifiable, how to prepare valid notices, and the steps to take to...

Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, a “party wall” refers to certain types of walls or structures that are shared by two or more property owners. Understanding whether your project affects a party wall is the first step in ensuring compliance with the Act. The Main...

If you’re planning building works near a boundary, or you’ve received a Party Wall Notice from a neighbour, you may need the support of a Party Wall Surveyor. At Simple Survey, we provide expert, impartial advice to help both Building Owners and Adjoining Owners...

When you serve a Party Wall Notice, your neighbour (the Adjoining Owner) has a legal right to respond. Their decision shapes the next steps in the Party Wall process, so it’s important to understand the three possible outcomes. 1. Consent If your neighbour consents in...

With a specialist Party Wall Surveying teams throughout the UK, we draw on extensive experience to advise both Building Owners and Adjoining Owners on how the Act applies to them and how to manage related construction matters effectively. Why Choose Simple Survey?...

Simple Survey – Affordable Expertise Across Manchester and Beyond Planning renovations or construction near a neighbouring property? If so, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply to your project. At Simple Survey, our RICS-accredited Party Wall Surveyors in Manchester...

If you are planning building works that may affect a shared or neighbouring wall, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 requires you to serve a valid Party Wall Notice on all affected neighbours before work begins. Notices must be properly prepared and contain the correct...

What happens if a neighbour simply ignores a Party Wall Notice? It’s a common concern for Building Owners, but the law provides a clear path forward. What Happens If a Notice Is Ignored? If your neighbour doesn’t respond within 14 days, the law treats their silence as...

If you’re planning construction work, you may have heard the term “party wall notice.” It might sound formal or complicated, but in reality, it’s simply a legal way of notifying your neighbour about building works that could affect a shared wall, boundary, or nearby...

Serving a Party Wall Notice correctly is the first and most important step in complying with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. A notice that is invalid or missing key information can delay your project, create unnecessary disputes, and even result in expensive legal...

If your neighbour is planning major building work near or on a shared boundary, you may receive a Party Wall Notice. This is a formal requirement under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, which ensures transparency and legal protection for both sides before works begin....

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 can feel complex, especially if you are planning works for the first time. However, the process is clear once broken down into manageable steps. This guide walks you through the typical journey from serving notices to completing your...

If your planned works could affect a shared wall, boundary, or a neighbour’s property, you may need a Party Wall Agreement under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Putting the agreement in place clarifies rights and responsibilities for both owners and helps prevent...

If you’re planning works close to a shared boundary, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 requires that you serve a valid Party Wall Notice. But what does a valid notice include—and why is it so important? Essential Elements of a Valid Party Wall Notice For a notice to comply...

If you’re planning an extension, loft conversion, basement, or any other type of building work near a shared boundary, you may need to serve a Party Wall Notice. This is a legal requirement under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and ensures that both you and your...

If you are planning to build a new property or make alterations to an existing one, you may need to comply with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This legislation is designed to protect both Building Owners (those carrying out works) and Adjoining Owners (neighbours...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is designed to prevent and resolve disputes between neighbours when building works affect shared walls, structures, or boundaries. Importantly, this is a civil matter between property owners — local authorities are not directly involved in...

If you’re planning a loft conversion, extension, or basement works, you may need to appoint a Party Wall Surveyor. Understanding how surveyor costs are calculated, who pays, and what’s included will help you budget effectively and avoid surprises. What Affects Party...

If you’re planning building works that affect a shared wall, boundary, or involve excavations near a neighbour’s property, you may need a Party Wall Agreement (legally known as a Party Wall Award). This guide explains when you need one, how the process works, and how...

One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: “Who pays for the Party Wall process?” The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 provides a clear framework for costs, but the details depend on the type of works, the neighbour’s response, and the surveyors involved....

If you are planning works that affect a shared wall, structure, or boundary, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 requires you to serve a Party Wall Notice on all affected neighbours. Doing this correctly ensures your project stays legally compliant, avoids disputes, and...

If your neighbour has begun—or is about to begin—works that you believe fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 without serving notice, there are several steps you can take to protect your property and your rights. 1. Start with an Informal Discussion Approach calmly:...

If you’re planning building works in England or Wales, one of the first questions you should ask is whether you need a Party Wall Agreement. Understanding when the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies will help you avoid disputes, protect your property, and stay compliant...

Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, a Building Owner is the person (or company) who intends to carry out works on their property that could affect a shared wall, boundary, or neighbouring structure. The Act places clear responsibilities on the Building Owner. These...

At Simple Survey, we guide Building Owners through every stage of the Party Wall process. Whether you’re extending your home, constructing close to a boundary, or making alterations to a shared wall, our fixed-fee service provides clarity, legal compliance, and...

A Party Wall Award is a legally binding document created when a neighbour dissents (or fails to respond) to a Party Wall Notice. It sets the framework for works to proceed while protecting both the Building Owner and the Adjoining Owner. What Is a Party Wall Award?...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies to houses in England and Wales and is designed to protect the structural integrity of shared walls and neighbouring properties. It sets out when you must notify your neighbours, what agreements are needed, and how disputes should...

One of the most common questions we are asked is whether a neighbour can refuse a Party Wall Agreement. The short answer is yes — but refusal does not mean your project is stopped. Instead, it triggers a formal dispute resolution process under the Party Wall etc. Act...

If you’re planning an extension, loft conversion, basement project, or any other structural works near a boundary, you may have a legal duty to serve a Party Wall Notice on your neighbour (the Adjoining Owner). The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is entirely separate from...

If you have received a Party Wall Award and believe it is wrong, it’s important to act quickly. Under section 10(17) of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, you only have 14 days from service of the Award to lodge an appeal in the County Court. Once that deadline passes, the...

Have you received a Party Wall Notice from your neighbour? As an Adjoining Owner, you are legally entitled to appoint your own surveyor to ensure your property and interests are fully protected under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. At Simple Survey, our specialist Party...

If you’re planning an extension, loft conversion, basement excavation, or chimney breast removal, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply. The Act sets out a legal framework that helps prevent and resolve disputes between neighbours when building works affect shared...

Simple Survey – Your Local Party Wall Surveyors, here to keep your project compliant and neighbour-friendly. If your building plans involve digging foundations, underpinning, or excavation close to another property, Section 6 of the Party Wall Act almost certainly...

Simple Survey – Local Party Wall Surveyors Section 2 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 sets out what kind of works a property owner is legally allowed to carry out on an existing shared or adjoining structure — such as cutting into, rebuilding, strengthening, or...

Simple Survey — Local Party Wall Surveyors If you plan to build a wall on or right next to the boundary between two properties, Section 1 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 will usually apply. Follow it correctly from the start to reduce the risk of delays, disputes or...

Are you planning construction work near a shared wall, boundary line, or neighbouring foundations?If so, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply to your project. While the rules can seem daunting, our role as experienced Party Wall Surveyors is to simplify the process,...

When planning certain types of building work, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 requires the property owner (the Building Owner) to serve formal notice on affected neighbours. The Act typically applies where works involve: Building on or close to the boundary line....

Thinking of extending, converting your loft, or putting up a new boundary wall? Don’t assume the paperwork is optional. Overlooking the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 can stall your build, spark disputes, and leave you facing large bills or court action. If you’re unsure...