Whether you’re planning a rear extension, digging new foundations, or simply altering a wall shared with a neighbour, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 might apply to your project — and it’s essential you comply to avoid delays, legal risks, or disputes.
At Simple Survey, our specialist team of Party Wall Surveyors works with homeowners and developers across the UK, ensuring projects run smoothly and stay compliant from day one. If you’re unsure whether your works are notifiable under the Act, get in touch today at team@simplesurvey.co.uk.
Who Is the Building Owner?
The Building Owner is the person or company planning construction works that fall under the scope of the Party Wall Act. These works may include alterations to a shared wall or structure, building along a boundary line, or excavating near neighbouring properties.
If the proposed work is notifiable, the Building Owner must serve a Party Wall Notice to all affected Adjoining Owners. Should a neighbour dissent, the Building Owner must appoint a Party Wall Surveyor to help resolve matters formally through a Party Wall Award.
At Simple Survey, we often act on behalf of Building Owners to administer the process efficiently and impartially — ensuring the project moves forward while protecting everyone’s interests.
Who Is the Adjoining Owner?
The Adjoining Owner is anyone who owns or occupies property next to the site of the planned works, with an interest greater than a one-year tenancy. Leaseholders and freeholders alike may qualify.
They have the right to:
- Consent to the proposed works
- Dissent and appoint their own surveyor
- Appoint the Building Owner’s Surveyor as an “Agreed Surveyor” to save time and reduce costs
We always encourage neighbours to agree to use a single Agreed Surveyor where possible — helping minimise surveyor fees, which are normally covered by the Building Owner.
Are You a Developer?
Large-scale developments often involve multiple Adjoining Owners. Under the Act, you must serve Notices on all affected neighbours and secure Party Wall Awards where required.
Failure to comply can result in injunctions, delays to your build, and even legal claims.
At Simple Survey, we’ll:
- Identify all affected Adjoining Owners
- Advise on realistic timeframes and procedures
- Provide a clear fee quote up front
- Help you avoid unnecessary delays or costs
For complex schemes, we can also provide a Third Party Obligations Report, which highlights potential legal and neighbour-related risks — including movement monitoring, boundary clarification, and pre-construction condition surveys.
Are You a Homeowner?
Even small home renovations can trigger the Party Wall Act. You may need to serve notice and secure an agreement (Party Wall Award) if you plan:
Extensions & New Builds:
- Building close to the boundary
- Excavating for new foundations
- Building walls astride or up to the boundary
- Rebuilding garden or retaining walls
Loft Conversions & Roof Works:
- Inserting steel beams into a shared wall
- Raising or cutting into the Party Wall
- Roofing works or fitting flashings
Internal Renovations:
- Removing chimney breasts
- Inserting beams or removing load-bearing walls
- Floor or ceiling removals
- Installing damp-proof courses
If you’re not sure whether your project is notifiable, contact us for free, impartial advice. We’ll confirm if a Party Wall Notice is required and guide you through the next steps.
Excavation Works: Notice Requirements
If your project involves excavation near a neighbouring property, you must serve a Notice of Adjacent Excavation at least one month before work begins.
This applies if you are:
- Excavating within 3 metres of a neighbouring building and going deeper than their foundations
- Excavating within 6 metres, and your works intersect with a 45-degree line drawn down from the neighbour’s foundations
You’ll need to provide:
- Full written notice
- Plans and sections showing depth and method
- Projected start dates and other technical information
Timeframes & Costs
Time is a crucial factor in Party Wall procedures. Here’s a typical timeline:
- Day 0: Serve Notice(s) to all affected Adjoining Owners
- Day 14: If no response, issue a 10-day reminder
- Day 24: Building Owner may appoint a surveyor on the Adjoining Owner’s behalf
Once surveyors are appointed, a Schedule of Condition will be carried out to document the neighbouring property’s state before works begin.
Simple cases (e.g. loft conversions or small extensions):
🕒 Resolution time: 2–3 weeks once surveyors are appointed
Complex projects (e.g. basement digs or large developments):
🕒 Resolution time: 4–8 weeks or more, depending on complexity
Important: You cannot legally begin notifiable works until the Party Wall Award is in place.
How Many Neighbours Will I Need to Notify?
That depends entirely on the size and layout of your property and the nature of your project. Only Adjoining Owners affected by your works need to be served notice.
If you’re unsure how many neighbours are involved — especially in flats or leasehold properties — we’ll do the legwork and confirm exactly who you need to notify.
Need Trusted Party Wall Advice?
Whether you’re building a garden wall, digging foundations, or launching a major development, we’ll ensure you’re compliant, protected, and ready to build.
📩 Email our team today at team@simplesurvey.co.uk for expert advice and a no-obligation quote.