Articles

When a Party Wall Notice is served on an Adjoining Owner, there are only three possible outcomes: consent, dissent, or no reply (which is treated as a dissent). An instant consent is ideal—but not guaranteed. Here’s how the other two paths work in practice under the...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 sets the ground rules when building works are planned on or near a shared boundary. If you’re an Adjoining Owner, knowing your rights—and how to use them—helps protect your property and keeps projects neighbourly and compliant. 1) Your...

When a party wall dispute arises, one of the first decisions is how to appoint surveyors. You can either jointly instruct one Agreed Surveyor or each appoint your own surveyor. Below is a practical comparison to help you choose the right route for your project and...

When works are planned on or near a shared boundary, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 provides the rules of engagement. If activity starts next door—or you hear about plans—it can be hard to know when to step in. This guide explains when Adjoining Owners should seek...

A party fence wall is a masonry wall (brick, block, or concrete) that does not form part of a building and sits on land belonging to two different owners. Because it must be masonry, timber fences are not party fence walls. It’s common for the legal boundary to run...

When you’re planning home improvements, getting the legal steps right is just as important as the design. A key piece of legislation in England and Wales is the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Misunderstandings about the Act can cause delays, disputes, and extra cost—so...

A letter from a Party Wall Surveyor about works next door can feel unsettling. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 sets out clear rights and procedures—once you know them, it’s much easier to decide what to do. First things first: what landed on your doormat? Formal Party...

When you’re planning building work on or near a shared boundary, a Party Wall Award is essential. Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, certain works in England and Wales require a formal agreement to protect everyone’s rights and ensure projects proceed smoothly. What...

Maximising floor space with an extension is appealing, but the closer you build to your boundary, the more important it is to get the legal and practical details right. Start With the Boundary—Not the Fence Your title deeds set out the legal boundary of your land. The...

Lead flashings are a small detail with a big job. They protect your home from water ingress, safeguarding the building fabric and helping you avoid costly repairs. Knowing what they do, who maintains them, and when the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies will keep your...

Planning a loft conversion, extension or basement? If your works touch a shared wall, sit on or near the boundary, or involve deeper excavations close to your neighbour, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is likely to apply. The Act creates a clear, legal pathway that lets...

If you or your neighbour are planning a side extension, loft conversion, basement, or structural alterations near the boundary, there’s a good chance the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies. Unknown to some, the Act sets out a simple legal framework that allows building...

If you or your neighbour plan a kitchen extension, loft conversion, basement or any work close to a shared boundary in England or Wales, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is likely to apply. The Act exists to let well‑designed projects proceed while protecting adjoining...

For homeowners and developers in England & Wales If you or your neighbour are planning a kitchen extension, loft conversion, basement, or any work close to a shared boundary, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 (“the Act”) probably matters to you. Its job is simple: let...

For homeowners and developers in England & Wales Quick note: This guide explains the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 in practical terms. It’s not a substitute for legal advice and it’s separate from planning permission and Building Regulations. Many projects need all...

A plain‑English guide for homeowners and developers in England & Wales If you or your neighbour are planning a kitchen extension, loft conversion, internal structural changes or a basement, there’s a good chance parts of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 apply. The Act...

On the surface, serving a Party Wall Notice might feel like unnecessary paperwork. But the cost of ignoring it can be severe. Immediate RisksNeighbours can take out an injunction that stops your work immediately. This not only halts progress but may leave you with...

Introduction When it comes to home renovations, extensions, or new builds, few topics cause as much confusion as the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Unfortunately, misconceptions are widespread — and believing the wrong thing can land homeowners in legal disputes, strained...

When a Party Wall matter becomes stuck, the Third Surveyor is the statutory safety‑valve that gets it moving again. Selected quietly at the very start of the process, this independent professional only steps forward if the two appointed surveyors cannot agree, or if...

Planning a loft conversion, an extension on the boundary, or excavation for new foundations? If your works fall within the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, there’s a clear pathway from first enquiry to a served Party Wall Award. This guide walks Building Owners and Adjoining...

Choosing the right Party Wall Surveyor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make before starting works that fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. A good surveyor won’t “tick boxes”; they’ll make the process quicker, clearer, and safer—protecting your...

If a Party Wall Notice has landed on your doormat, you’re classed as the Adjoining Owner. The notice means your neighbour (the Building Owner) plans works that may affect a shared structure or nearby ground. This guide explains—in plain English—how to protect your...

A party wall is any wall or structure that sits directly on the boundary between two (or more) properties and is shared by the owners. Common examples include: The wall dividing terraced or semi-detached houses Garden boundary walls built astride a property line...

Type A – Shared Boundary Walls A wall that stands astride the boundary line between two (or more) pieces of land owned by different people. May form part of one building (e.g. terraced houses) May separate two adjoining buildings (e.g. semi-detached homes) May include...

Starting a project that falls under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 doesn’t need to be complicated. At Simple Survey, we make the process straightforward and affordable by preparing and serving the correct notices for you—ensuring everything is legally compliant from day...

If you’re planning building works that affect a shared or neighbouring structure, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply. This Act requires you to serve a Party Wall Notice on your neighbours before work begins. There are three main types of notices, each linked to a...

When properties share a boundary or sit close together, works on one site can affect the other. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 sets out a clear legal framework to ensure neighbours are informed, protected, and given the chance to consent or raise concerns before works...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 provides a legal framework for building works that may affect shared walls, boundary walls, or excavations near neighbouring properties. The purpose of the Act is to allow works to go ahead in a reasonable and considerate way, while...

A Party Wall Agreement—also known as a Party Wall Award—is a legally binding document that sets out the rights and responsibilities of property owners who share a wall, fence, or boundary. This agreement is required when building, altering, or carrying out works that...

At Simple Survey, we often remind clients that the role of a Party Wall Surveyor is clearly defined under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. While the Act provides a framework for resolving disputes about works to shared or adjoining structures, it does not extend to every...

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...