When a Party Wall Notice lands on the mat, most neighbours have the same immediate worries: what does this mean for my home, my routine, and my wallet? Below are the five questions we hear most from adjoining owners—answered plainly so you can make confident decisions without stress.
1) “Do I have to respond to the Party Wall Notice?”
Yes. You have 14 days to reply in writing. Your options are:
- Consent (works proceed under the Act without dispute); or
- Dissent and either appoint your own surveyor or agree one surveyor to act for both owners.
If you don’t reply within 14 days, the law treats this as a dispute and the building owner can appoint a surveyor on your behalf so the process can still move forward. A quick written reply keeps you in control of the next steps.
2) “Will I have to pay anything?”
In typical domestic projects the building owner pays the reasonable costs of administering the Party Wall procedures (including your surveyor if you appoint one). There are edge cases (e.g., if you request something unusual), but for most neighbours, you don’t foot the bill.
3) “Can I stop the works if I don’t like them?”
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is work-enabling: it doesn’t grant planning permission but it does provide a framework for works to proceed safely and fairly where they affect shared or nearby structures. You can’t block lawful works simply because you dislike them; instead, the Act ensures:
- proper notice,
- a clear set of conditions on how works are carried out, and
- routes to resolve disagreements and recover compensation for loss or damage.
If something is genuinely unlawful (e.g., no planning permission where required), that’s a separate planning matter—not a Party Wall issue.
4) “What if my neighbour wants access to my land?”
The Act can grant temporary rights of access if they’re genuinely necessary to carry out the notified works. Conditions (hours, routes, protection, reinstatement, etc.) are typically set so the access is safe, limited, and reasonable. If access isn’t strictly necessary, it shouldn’t be imposed.
5) “I didn’t receive drawings—do I need them?”
For certain works (especially excavations under Section 6), plans/sections are required with the notice. If what you received is thin on detail, ask for the missing information right away. Clear drawings help everyone understand the proposals and avoid avoidable disputes.
Helpful pointers for adjoining owners
- Reply in writing within 14 days so you keep choice of route and surveyor.
- Ask for clarity (work description, drawings, anticipated start dates, access needs).
- Stay proportionate. The Act focuses on the how of construction near you, not planning merits.
FAQs
Can I choose my own surveyor?
Absolutely. You can appoint your own surveyor or agree to use a single surveyor for both parties. The choice is yours.
What if I already consented but now have concerns?
If a specific dispute later arises connected to the works (for example, how a method is being carried out), you can still engage the Act’s dispute process at that point.
Does consenting mean I lose my rights?
No. Consenting simply means you’re not triggering the dispute route upfront. Your rights under the Act remain.
Can I insist my neighbour uses my surveyor?
No. Each owner is free to appoint a surveyor of their choice. You can invite the other side to agree to a single surveyor, but they don’t have to.
What if no one can agree and progress stalls?
The Act includes a built-in escalation via a third surveyor who can determine narrow points and keep things moving.
Transparent, fixed pricing (so you know where you stand)
- Party Wall Notice service: £25 per adjoining ownership (multi-notice bundles discounted).
- Act administration as Agreed Surveyor (single surveyor): typically £300 fixed-fee, depending on complexity and number of notices/owners.
- Two-surveyor route (we act for the building owner): fixed-fee proposals from £325 for our side. (The other surveyor often bills hourly; we work to keep those costs reasonable and contained.)
- Complex works (deep excavations, multi-owner blocks): we’ll still offer the fixed pricing above.
- No surprises, no creeping extras. You’ll know the number before we start.
Who usually pays? In standard scenarios, the building owner covers the reasonable Party Wall costs because they benefit from the works.
The Simple Survey difference for adjoining owners
- Clear, friendly guidance in plain English.
- Proportionate conditions focused on necessity and fairness.
- Fast turnaround so you aren’t left in limbo.
- Lowest like-for-like costs across England & Wales.
Ready for calm, informed decisions?
If you’ve received a Party Wall Notice and want straightforward advice—or you’d like us to manage the response and next steps—we’ll handle it quickly, clearly, and at the lowest like-for-like cost.
Email: team@simplesurvey.co.uk
Simple Survey — trusted, affordable Party Wall specialists for homeowners and neighbours across England & Wales.