There’s a comforting rhythm to everyday life. The quiet clink of cutlery, birdsong drifting in through the window, children laughing in the distance. But nothing breaks that calm quite like the crash and clatter of next door’s renovation.
That’s where a Party Wall Agreement comes in—a legal safety net that keeps peace between neighbours when construction is on the cards.
What Is a Party Wall Agreement?
A Party Wall Agreement is a legal document made between neighbouring property owners when one plans building work that affects a shared structure or boundary. It’s not just paperwork—it’s a formal way of ensuring everyone is clear, protected, and on the same page.
Think of it as building with respect.
When Do You Need One?
You’ll likely need a Party Wall Agreement if you’re planning to:
- Alter or repair a shared wall, ceiling, or floor
- Build on or near the boundary between two properties
- Excavate foundations close to a neighbour’s home (typically within 3 to 6 metres)
If that’s you—don’t skip this step.
How Does It Work?
1. Serve Notice
Before any work starts, you must give your neighbour formal written notice. This must be done at least 1–2 months in advance, depending on the type of work.
2. Await a Response
Your neighbour has 14 days to reply. They can:
- Agree to the works (brilliant)
- Dissent (they disagree)
- Ignore the notice (which also counts as dissent)
3. Appoint Surveyors
If they dissent or don’t reply, surveyors are brought in—either one agreed between you both, or one each. The surveyor(s) will draw up a legally binding Party Wall Award, detailing what can be done, how, and when.
Why Bother With an Agreement?
- ✅ Avoid Disputes – Get off on the right foot with your neighbour
- ✅ Protect Your Property – Avoid damage from dodgy or rushed work
- ✅ Stay Legal – It’s a legal requirement—ignore it, and you could be taken to court
- ✅ Clarify Costs – Who pays for what? A proper agreement makes that clear
Common Myths Busted
“It’s just a wall – what’s the big deal?”
Actually, party walls often carry shared loads, services, and responsibilities. Touch the wall, and you’re affecting both sides.
“We’ve agreed verbally – that’s enough.”
Unfortunately, a friendly handshake doesn’t hold up in court. You’ll still need a written agreement under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
Top Tips for a Stress-Free Process
- Talk First – Keep neighbours informed from the start
- Serve Notices Properly – Follow the legal process
- Hire Professionals – An experienced Party Wall Surveyor can save you hassle, time, and money
- Be Patient – Good agreements take cooperation
Let’s Keep the Peace (And the Building Going)
At Simple Survey, we make Party Wall Agreements… simple. Whether you’re extending up, out, or down—we handle the paperwork, the notices, the legal bits, and the neighbourly chats.
Our RICS-qualified surveyors are friendly, experienced, and on hand to help you avoid costly delays and unnecessary conflict.
📩 Got a question? Planning works? Email our team today at team@simplesurvey.co.uk
Let’s make sure your dream project doesn’t become your neighbour’s nightmare.