If you’re the Building Owner proposing works that fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, you must serve a Party Wall Notice on every affected Adjoining Owner. The notice describes the notifiable elements of your project and invites a formal response.
How an Adjoining Owner can respond
1) Consent (in writing)
If the Adjoining Owner is comfortable with the proposals, they may consent.
- The Act’s procedures pause; no surveyors are appointed.
- Works may proceed after the statutory lead-in period.
- The Adjoining Owner does not waive their rights—if a specific dispute arises later (e.g., damage), they can still trigger the Act’s dispute route.
2) Dissent and appoint an Agreed Surveyor
Both owners jointly appoint one independent surveyor to act for them impartially.
- Usually cheaper and faster (one surveyor, fewer hand-offs).
- The Agreed Surveyor prepares a Party Wall Award setting out what may be done, how/when (time & manner), protections, access, and damage procedures.
3) Dissent and appoint separate surveyors
Each owner appoints their own surveyor; those two then select a Third Surveyor as a back-stop.
- Offers two professional viewpoints—useful for complex projects.
- The two surveyors agree the Award (or the Third Surveyor determines any unresolved points).
“Dissent” is often misunderstood. It doesn’t mean opposing the works—it simply means the neighbour wants the independent safeguards of the Act applied via a Party Wall Award.
Who pays the fees?
In most residential cases, the Building Owner pays the reasonable costs of the procedures: their own surveyor and (if appointed) the Adjoining Owner’s surveyor. An Agreed Surveyor route typically means one set of fees instead of two.
Choosing a surveyor—why it matters
“Party Wall Surveyor” is not a protected title. Select on merit, experience, and qualifications, and ensure they act impartially under Section 10 of the Act.
Good-neighbour practice
Before serving notice, speak to your neighbour, share drawings, and answer questions. Offering a Schedule of Condition (at your cost) often secures a smooth consent and keeps relationships positive.
Want compliant notices and a proportionate Award—at the lowest cost?
Email team@simplesurvey.co.uk. Simple Survey are the lowest-cost party wall surveyors across England & Wales. We’ll confirm what’s notifiable, serve valid notices and produce a clear, fair Award so your project stays on track.