What is a Building Owner?
A Building Owner is any property owner (house, flat, commercial premises, or land) who plans to carry out works that fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
Are You Planning Building Works?
If your project involves notifiable works, you must serve a Party Wall Notice to your neighbours before starting. These works include:
- Building extensions (rear, side, front, or loft).
- Loft, basement, or garage conversions.
- Underpinning or foundation work.
- Altering or cutting into a shared wall, ceiling, or floor.
- Roofing or chimney works.
- Building new or shared boundary walls.
- Excavating within 3–6 metres of a neighbouring property.
The Building Owner’s Surveyor
At Simple Survey, we provide expert Party Wall services for Building Owners. Our team prepares valid Notices, drafts Awards (agreements), and ensures your project complies with the law — all at the UK’s lowest fixed fees.
Can I Serve a Party Wall Notice Myself?
Yes, but mistakes in the Notice can make it invalid, forcing you to restart the process and delay your project. Most Building Owners choose to have a qualified surveyor prepare the Notice correctly from the start to avoid costly setbacks.
What Happens if You Don’t Serve a Party Wall Notice?
Failing to serve a valid Notice can lead to serious consequences, including:
- Legal disputes and costly court action.
- Work being stopped by a court injunction.
- Potential orders to remove or undo unapproved works.
- Liability for any damage caused to a neighbour’s property.
What If My Neighbour Consents?
If your neighbour consents in writing, you may proceed without an Award — but they can later change their mind.
Why Consult My Neighbour About “My Own Wall”?
Because in law, a party wall is treated as a shared structure. Even though you may see it as “your wall,” the Act protects your neighbour’s rights to its full thickness.
Do I Need to Serve Notice If I Build on My Own Land?
Yes — if your works involve excavation within 3 metres (or in some cases 6 metres) of your neighbour’s foundations. Special Section 6 Notices apply in these situations.
How Much Does the Party Wall Process Cost?
At Simple Survey, we offer the UK’s most affordable fixed-fee service without hidden extras. Our fees are circa £300.00 with no added extras!
Normally, the Building Owner pays all reasonable surveyor costs, including those of the Adjoining Owner if they appoint their own surveyor.
Is the Party Wall Act an Inconvenience?
Not at all. The Act benefits everyone by:
- Allowing lawful building works to proceed.
- Protecting both parties from damage and disputes.
- Avoiding costly court battles.
- Providing rights of access to neighbouring land if required (e.g. scaffolding).
What if My Neighbour Wants to Use the Wall I Built?
If the wall is entirely on your land, it remains yours. If it sits astride the boundary (a party wall), your neighbour has rights to use it — but they must contribute fairly. This is called an enclosure fee, where they pay half of the wall’s current rebuild cost.
Protect Your Project with Simple Survey
At Simple Survey, we keep the process simple, legally sound, and affordable. Whether you’re building an extension or starting a basement conversion, our surveyors will prepare valid Notices, handle disputes, and protect your project from delays.
We’re proud to be the UK’s cheapest professional Party Wall Surveyors — trusted nationwide for transparent pricing and expert service.
📩 Email us today at team@simplesurvey.co.uk for a free consultation and get your project moving with confidence.