When planning construction or renovation projects, every property owner has one priority in mind—budget. Whether it’s adding an extension, converting your attic, or digging a basement, ensuring your financial plan covers everything is essential. This includes not only the cost of the actual work but also the design and professional fees associated with the project.
One question we often hear is: What about budgeting for party wall matters? Is it necessary to set aside funds for this? The short answer: yes, it’s crucial. If you’re doing any work on a shared wall, building a new boundary wall, or excavating near your neighbour’s property, you’re legally required to follow the Party Wall Act and serve notice. That means budgeting for party wall costs should be part of your financial planning.
What Exactly is a Party Wall?
A party wall is a structure that sits directly on the boundary between two properties and is shared by both parties. It can be part of a building or separate buildings. A party fence wall, on the other hand, is a non-building wall that separates land, such as a garden boundary. It’s important to note that walls like wooden fences or hedges do not qualify as party fence walls.
How Much Does it Cost to Serve a Party Wall Notice?
The cost of serving a party wall notice varies, with fees ranging from £150-£250 + VAT, depending on the surveyor and the complexity of your project. Before appointing a surveyor, always ask for a detailed quote to avoid surprises.
You need to give your neighbour either:
- 1 month’s notice for excavation works.
- 2 months’ notice for building works involving the party wall.
Once the notice is served, your neighbour has 14 days to respond. If you want to avoid delays, it’s a good idea to have a surveyor handle this process. A poorly drafted notice could lead to issues down the line, including project delays and additional costs.
What Other Costs Should You Expect?
If your neighbour agrees to the works, that’s great news! You won’t face additional party wall costs beyond the initial notice. However, it’s wise to prepare for the possibility of damage claims or disputes.
What Happens if My Neighbour Disagrees or Doesn’t Respond?
If your neighbour dissents or doesn’t reply to your notice, you’ll need to appoint surveyors to prepare a Party Wall Award. Unfortunately, this will incur additional costs.
A Party Wall Award outlines the work to be carried out, the specific methods of construction, entry rights, and protections against damage. It’s a legal document that ensures your project complies with the Party Wall Act. If your neighbour disagrees, having a Party Wall Award in place helps protect you from potential legal action.
How Much Will the Party Wall Award Cost?
Typically, each party wall surveyor charges £1,000 – £1,500 + VAT for a single award.
Also, keep in mind that if your project affects multiple properties, you’ll need to multiply this cost by the number of adjoining owners.
Are There Any Other Costs to Consider?
Disputes can still arise after the Party Wall Award is issued, especially if your neighbour claims damage to their property. In these cases, your surveyor may need to revisit the site or provide additional advice.
Surveyors typically charge an hourly rate for these services, ranging from £120 – £350 + VAT per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the issue.
How Can I Stay Within My Budget?
If you’re worried about the costs stacking up, here are some ways to manage your expenses:
- Appoint a Surveyor Early: Engaging a surveyor early in the process allows them to guide you on budgeting, helping you avoid surprises.
- Communicate with Your Neighbours: Having a good relationship with your neighbours can help reduce the likelihood of them dissenting, which means fewer costs for you. Discuss your plans in advance and address any concerns they may have.
- Set a Realistic Budget: Factor in all potential costs—from serving the notice to potential disputes—so that you don’t end up scrambling for funds down the line.
At Simple Survey, we help our clients through every step of the party wall process, ensuring that the project stays on budget and that your relationship with your neighbours remains intact. We’ll advise you on the best way to approach the process, always aiming to reduce your costs where possible and ensure the project proceeds smoothly.
Reach out to us if you have any questions or want to discuss your project in more detail. We’re here to help you understand the costs involved, guide you through the process, and ensure your project stays on track.