At Simple Survey, our RICS-registered Party Wall Surveyors specialise in resolving disputes between neighbours when building works are planned close to shared boundaries. Whether for residential or commercial properties, our role is to ensure projects move forward smoothly, lawfully, and with minimal disruption.
Our surveyors act under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, which gives neighbours a clear legal framework for handling disagreements. Their duties are quasi-judicial, similar to arbitration, as they produce legally binding Party Wall Awards that set out how works should proceed.
Independence and impartiality are at the core of our service—our surveyors protect the rights of all parties equally while ensuring works comply with the Act.
Who is an Adjoining Owner?
An Adjoining Owner is anyone who owns land, buildings, or rooms next to the Building Owner’s property. This can include:
- Freehold owners
- Leasehold owners
- Other parties with ownership rights to nearby land
Even if a property does not share a boundary wall, it can still be classed as “adjoining” if it lies within 3–6 metres of the planned works (as set out in Section 6 of the Act).
What is an Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor?
If an Adjoining Owner disagrees with a notice they receive, they have the right to appoint a Party Wall Surveyor—known as the Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor. This professional represents their interests during the dispute resolution process.
It is the Building Owner’s duty to serve formal Party Wall Notices on every affected Adjoining Owner before works begin.
Why the Party Wall Act Protects Adjoining Owners
The Act was designed to allow property development to continue while protecting neighbours. Adjoining Owners benefit from:
- Independent advice from a surveyor if they dissent.
- The right to influence how and when works are carried out.
- Legal protection against damage caused by construction.
- Compensation for loss or repairs, where appropriate.
- Security of expenses (sometimes paid in advance) to safeguard against unfinished works.
Responding to a Party Wall Notice
When you receive a Party Wall Notice from your neighbour, you must respond within 14 days. You have three choices:
- Consent – agree to the works. No surveyor is appointed, but you still retain rights under the Act.
- Dissent and Appoint a Surveyor – protect your interests by instructing your own surveyor.
- Dissent and Agree to a Single Surveyor – both parties jointly appoint one impartial surveyor.
⚠️ If you do not respond within 14 days, the law assumes you dissent, and the Building Owner may appoint a surveyor on your behalf.
Notice Periods for Adjoining Owners
The Act requires Building Owners to give the following notice periods before starting works:
- 2 months’ notice for works to an existing party wall (Section 2).
- 1 month’s notice for new walls on the boundary line (Section 1).
- 1 month’s notice for excavations near a neighbouring building (Section 6).
Why Choose Simple Survey?
At Simple Survey, we offer:
✅ Impartial, RICS-registered surveyors
✅ Expert advice for both Building Owners and Adjoining Owners
✅ Clear, cost-effective solutions across London and the UK
✅ The UK’s lowest-cost Party Wall Surveying service 📩 Email: team@simplesurvey.co.uk