Articles

Hiring a party wall surveyor in London is often a necessary step when your building project affects a shared wall or boundary. While it protects your rights and ensures compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. What Does a Party Wall Surveyor Do? A party wall...

A party wall agreement is more than just a formality—it’s a legally binding document that protects both you and your neighbour when building work affects a shared wall or boundary. It sets out the scope of the work, timelines, responsibilities, and costs, helping to...

Step 1 – Does My Project Fall Under the Act? You may need to follow the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 if your plans involve: Inserting beams into a shared wall (e.g. for a loft conversion). Adding a damp proof course to a party wall. Raising, lowering, or rebuilding a...

When planning construction or renovation that may affect a shared boundary or wall, one key professional often comes into play: the party wall surveyor. Their expertise ensures compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, protecting the rights of both property owners...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is a UK law designed to manage building works that affect shared structures, boundaries, or neighbouring properties. It provides a clear process for avoiding and resolving disputes, ensuring that construction projects can go ahead without...

If you’re planning building works that may affect a shared wall or boundary with your neighbour, you’ll need to understand party wall agreements. These agreements exist to protect both property owners, clarify responsibilities, and prevent costly disputes. In this...

If you’re planning work on a shared wall, boundary, or close to a neighbour’s property, you may need to follow the Party Wall Act 1996. This law applies in England and Wales and is designed to prevent disputes between neighbours during construction. A party wall...

The Party Wall Act can seem complex, but with the right advice and surveyor, the process is straightforward. Whether you’re a building owner planning works, or a neighbour protecting your property, compliance with the Act safeguards everyone involved. We look at this...

If you’re planning construction work close to a neighbouring property, or on a shared wall, you may need the help of a Party Wall Surveyor. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 sets out the legal process for preventing and resolving disputes involving: Shared (party) walls...

Are you planning work near a shared wall or boundary with your neighbour? Or maybe you’ve just received a Party Wall Notice and aren’t sure what to do next? The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is designed to make projects like this straightforward, protecting both homeowners...

Opening your post to find a Party Wall Notice can feel daunting. It means your neighbour plans to carry out works that could affect a wall, boundary, or structure you share. The good news? The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 exists to protect everyone involved. It gives you...

A Party Wall Surveyor is an impartial professional who helps property owners comply with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Their role is to make sure the correct process is followed, provide expert advice, and settle any disagreements between neighbours when building work...

Planning a loft conversion, an extension, or even removing a chimney breast? If your project affects a wall or boundary shared with a neighbour, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 likely applies. This law sets out how to notify neighbours, resolve disagreements, and carry...

At Simple Survey, we specialise in preparing and managing Party Wall Awards. As trusted Chartered Surveyors, we provide expert advice across England and Wales. Many home improvement projects — from loft conversions to even small extensions — often trigger the need to...

When planning construction in London, it’s important to understand the role of a party wall surveyor. A party wall is any wall, fence, or boundary structure that separates two properties. These are most common in terraced and semi-detached homes, but can also apply to...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 gives property owners the legal right to access neighbouring land when carrying out notifiable works. This ensures essential works can be completed safely and efficiently while protecting the rights of adjoining owners. Below are the key...

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...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies to both residential and commercial properties in England and Wales. Its purpose is to enable development while safeguarding neighbouring buildings against unnecessary risk or damage. When the Act Applies You must comply with the...

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’...