Articles

If you're considering a loft conversion, basement extension, conservatory, or any home improvements near a shared wall or boundary, there’s a good chance you’ll need a Party Wall Agreement before starting work. Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, certain building...

Buying a property is stressful enough—so finding out that the seller has served or been served with a Party Wall Notice can raise even more questions. Whether you’re the buyer or the seller, understanding the implications of Party Wall Agreements and Awards is crucial...

If you're planning building works that fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, it's vital you understand both your legal rights and those of your neighbours. These matters can become complex quickly, and expert advice can save you considerable time, stress, and...

If you’re planning works that affect a shared wall or boundary, you’ll likely need the input of a Party Wall Surveyor—but what exactly do they do? If you’re unfamiliar with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, or you’ve never undertaken building work near a neighbouring...

If you live in a terraced or semi-detached home and you're thinking about a loft conversion, chances are you’ll need a party wall agreement with your neighbours. Most structural alterations—like touching shared walls, chimneys or roofs—fall under the Party Wall etc....

If you live in a terraced or semi-detached house, you might have heard horror stories about the Party Wall etc. Act 1996—enough to make you think twice about doing any serious renovations. But don’t be deterred. When handled correctly, the Party Wall process is...

Celebrating over 25 years since its introduction, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 remains a crucial safeguard for homeowners across England and Wales. It gives neighbours a legal say in construction work that could affect shared or nearby structures—and misunderstanding...

Planning to carry out home improvements near a shared boundary? Whether you’re converting your loft, digging foundations, or removing a chimney breast, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is there to prevent disputes with your neighbours—and you’re legally required to...

If you’ve been involved in a Party Wall dispute, you might have heard references to Magistrates or Magistrates’ Courts—and you’re not alone if you’re unsure what that really means. What Is a Magistrate? A Magistrate (also known as a Justice of the Peace) is a...

If you or your neighbour is planning construction work near or on a shared wall (known as a party wall), the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 requires a formal notice—and possibly the involvement of a Party Wall Surveyor. Whether you're the building owner or the adjoining...

If you live in a semi-detached or terraced home, you’ll likely encounter the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 when planning home renovations that involve a shared wall, boundary, or nearby excavation. While it might sound complicated, the Act exists to protect both you and...

When a building owner serves a party wall notice and the adjoining owner dissents, a dispute arises under the Party Wall Act. At this point, appointed surveyors play a key role in resolving the dispute. Their statutory appointment, confirmed through a formal letter,...

A party wall is a shared structure—typically a wall dividing two adjoining properties such as terraced or semi-detached houses. These walls are common in densely built areas and are jointly owned by the neighbouring property owners. They provide structural support and...

If you think that ignoring a Party Wall Notice will prevent your neighbour from proceeding with their planned works, unfortunately, you're mistaken. The Party Wall Notice you receive gives you 14 days to respond. If you don’t respond within that time frame, you’ll...

A Party Wall Agreement (or Party Wall Award) is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions of any proposed building works affecting a shared boundary or party wall between neighbouring properties. This agreement ensures that both you and your...

If you're a building owner planning work that falls under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, it's vital that your notices are accurate, clear, and compliant with the Act. There are three main types of notices, and each has specific requirements. Failing to provide the...

Whether you’re planning a rear extension, a loft conversion, or structural alterations near a boundary, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply to your project. It is essential legislation for homeowners in England and Wales undertaking works that could impact...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 defines a party wall in Section 20. There are two main types of party walls, described in subsections (a) and (b). Type A Party Wall — Walls Straddling the Boundary Section 20(a) defines a party wall as: “a wall which forms part of a...

If you’re planning construction or renovation work near a shared (party) wall, a Party Wall Award isn’t just a box to tick – it’s a legal safeguard for everyone involved. Whether you're the one doing the building or the neighbour affected by it, this formal agreement...

A Party Wall Notice is simply a formal letter informing your neighbour (or neighbours) of the construction work you plan to carry out. In response, your neighbour will have several options to choose from, typically laid out on the notice. Most surveyors use the same...

When your building project affects a shared (party) wall, having a Party Wall Surveyor on board is more than just good practice – it’s often a legal requirement. These professionals play a vital role in protecting everyone’s interests, keeping works compliant with the...

The short answer is no, you don’t need planning permission to initiate the Party Wall process. However, if you’re planning to move forward with construction work, you will ultimately require planning permission before proceeding. It may sound confusing, but here’s how...

Whether you're planning a rear extension, digging new foundations, or simply altering a wall shared with a neighbour, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 might apply to your project — and it's essential you comply to avoid delays, legal risks, or disputes. At Simple Survey,...

At Simple Survey, we regularly receive enquiries from concerned property owners whose neighbours have begun construction without serving the required notice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. If this has happened to you, you must act quickly. Waiting too...

A Party Wall Award—often referred to as a Party Wall Agreement—is a legally binding document under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. It sets out the rights and responsibilities of neighbouring property owners when building works affect a shared wall, boundary, or...

Under Section 12 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, the adjoining owner can request that security be provided before any notifiable works commence. This security is intended to protect the adjoining owner against risks arising from the works. How Is Security Requested?...

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is a key piece of legislation in England and Wales, created to prevent disputes between neighbours over construction work. Its main goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process for resolving any issues that may arise during building...

Planning a home improvement project that involves a shared wall or structure? If so, you may need to issue a Party Wall Notice before any work begins. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is a legal framework designed to prevent and resolve disputes between neighbours when...

There’s often confusion about party fences and whether they fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Here’s what you need to know: Wooden Fences and Concrete Posts Are NOT Party Fence Walls Under the Act The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 defines a party fence wall as a...

If you're planning to carry out building work near a shared boundary or have received a Party Wall Notice, you may be wondering what your rights and responsibilities are. That’s where the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 comes in—a key piece of legislation that applies to...

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...