A party wall is any wall, boundary, or structure shared between two households. This is common in terraced or semi-detached homes, but can also apply to detached properties if you share a garden wall or boundary line.
If your planned work impacts a party wall or involves digging within 3 to 6 metres of your neighbour’s property (depending on the depth), you must notify the affected neighbours at least two months before starting.
You do this by serving a party wall notice. If your neighbours respond with written consent within 14 days, you can begin work without needing a formal party wall award. However, it’s wise to take photos of their property beforehand to document its condition, in case any disputes arise later.
If your neighbours object or don’t respond, you’ll need to appoint a party wall surveyor — or two — to prepare a party wall agreement.
Tip: To save on costs, try to agree with your neighbour on appointing a single surveyor to handle the process.
How to Serve a Party Wall Notice
You can either serve the notice yourself or have a party wall surveyor do it for you. Although DIY is cheaper, hiring a professional helps avoid common mistakes like:
- Failing to notify all relevant parties (including freeholders or long-term leaseholders)
- Providing insufficient details or missing structural calculations
- Using outdated forms
- Not giving enough notice before construction starts
Remember, construction can only begin two months and one day after the notice is served and consent received, or the award agreed. For excavation work, this notice period is one month and one day. The work must also start within a year of the agreement.
What Happens When Your Neighbours Respond?
- If they agree: Written consent means you can start work without a formal award. Be sure to share photos of the property’s condition beforehand, and consider having a surveyor document it for full protection.
- If they disagree or don’t reply: After 14 days, if no response is received, a follow-up letter is sent. If still no reply, you’ll need to appoint a surveyor to prepare a party wall agreement. Your neighbour can request their own surveyor if they prefer. While you will cover the surveyor fees, this ensures a fair process.
What Does the Party Wall Agreement Include?
- Details on how the work will be carried out
- A record of the neighbouring property’s condition (schedule of condition)
- Architectural plans of the intended works
Tips for Getting Neighbourly Approval
- Talk to your neighbours in person before serving notice to explain your plans clearly.
- Provide contact details for your surveyor or architect so they can raise any concerns directly.
- Choose a reputable and impartial surveyor to manage the process.
- Watch out for ‘ambulance chasers’ — rogue surveyors who scare neighbours into rejecting notices.
Need expert help with your party wall notice or surveyor appointment? Contact the Simple Survey team at team@simplesurvey.co.uk. We offer the most affordable rates in the market without compromising quality. Let us guide you through every step for a smooth, hassle-free experience!