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
FAQS
Q1. What is the purpose of a Party Wall Survey?
A Party Wall Survey helps ensure that building works affecting a shared wall, boundary, or neighbouring foundations comply with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 while protecting both owners’ interests.
Q2. When do I need a Party Wall Survey?
You may need a Party Wall Survey when carrying out loft conversions, extensions, chimney breast removals, structural alterations, or excavations close to neighbouring foundations.
Q3. Is a Party Wall Award always required?
No. If the adjoining owner consents to the Party Wall Notice, an award is usually not required. If they dissent or fail to respond, surveyors must prepare a Party Wall Award.
Q4. How much does a Party Wall Survey cost?
The cost depends on the complexity of the project, the number of adjoining owners involved, and whether one Agreed Surveyor or two surveyors are appointed.
Q5. Can one surveyor act for both neighbours?
Yes. If both owners agree, a single Agreed Surveyor can act impartially for both parties and prepare the Party Wall Award, often reducing costs and speeding up the process.
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