At Simple Survey, all our Party Wall Surveys are carried out by RICS-registered surveyors, ensuring you receive professional, impartial, and high-quality advice. Whether you are a building owner planning works or an adjoining owner affected by works, our surveyors provide expert guidance under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
What is a Party Wall Survey?
A Party Wall Survey involves the assessment, preparation, and administration of a Party Wall Award (Agreement). This ensures building works that affect a shared wall, boundary, or foundations are carried out lawfully and with minimal disruption to neighbours.
Our surveyors act for either:
- The Building Owner – planning to carry out works, or
- The Adjoining Owner – whose property may be affected by those works.
We provide independent advice on:
- Structural implications of the proposed works.
- Legal requirements under the Party Wall Act.
Do I Need a Party Wall Survey?
You may require a Party Wall Survey if your works involve:
- Building a new wall on or near the boundary.
- Cutting into a Party Wall (e.g. chimney breast removal, insertion of steel beams).
- Demolishing or rebuilding a Party Wall.
- Rebuilding a boundary wall under a Line of Junction Notice.
- Excavating within 3–6 metres of a neighbouring property’s foundations.
In all cases, a Party Wall Notice must be served before starting work.
Party Wall Notice – Your Neighbour’s Options
Once a Party Wall Notice is served, your neighbour has three possible responses:
- Consent to the works
- No Party Wall Award is required.
- You may proceed with the planned works.
- Dissent and appoint their own Surveyor
- A Party Wall Award is required.
- The Building Owner usually pays both sets of surveyor fees.
- The Award will set conditions, such as working hours, methods, and liability for any damage.
- Dissent and agree to one Surveyor
- Both parties appoint an Agreed Surveyor.
- A Party Wall Award is drawn up impartially by the single surveyor.
Types of Party Wall Notices
Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, three types of notice may be required:
- Line of Junction Notice – for building new walls on or adjacent to a boundary.
- Party Structure Notice – for works directly affecting the shared Party Wall.
- Notice of Adjacent Excavation – for excavations within 3–6 metres of a neighbouring property’s foundations.
Each notice has a statutory notice period that must be observed before works can begin.
Why Choose Simple Survey?
✔ RICS-registered and highly experienced Party Wall Surveyors
✔ Covering all of the UK for residential and commercial properties
✔ Independent, impartial, and client-focused advice
✔ Protecting your property and neighbourly relationships
Get in Touch
If you’re planning works or have received a Party Wall Notice, speak to our expert team today. We’ll guide you through the process and ensure your legal and structural interests are protected. 📩 Email team@simplesurvey.co.uk