We act for building owners and adjoining owners where proposed works are likely to fall within the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Our role is to help both sides reach a clear, lawful position—promptly and professionally—so projects can proceed without unnecessary delay or neighbour friction.
What we do
Simple Survey provides practical party wall advice and formal party wall services for residential and commercial property, including:
- terraced and semi-detached homes
- flats and multi-unit buildings
- commercial premises (including mixed-use buildings)
- non-standard construction where party wall issues still arise
Where the Act applies, we manage the statutory steps correctly and keep the process structured and calm.
When the Party Wall Act is likely to apply
In plain terms, the Act is commonly triggered by works in three areas:
- Works to an existing party wall or party structure
Examples include cutting into a shared wall for structural supports, forming openings, or altering the wall/structure in a way covered by the Act. - Building at the boundary (the “line of junction”)
For example, building a new wall up to the boundary or dealing with certain shared boundary wall situations. - Excavations near neighbouring buildings
Most commonly for extension foundations or deeper excavations where proximity and depth are relevant to a neighbour’s foundations.
If you are unsure, the safest approach is to check early—late discovery is what causes programme pressure and disputes.
Our approach: clear, professional, and easy to follow
We run party wall matters in a straightforward sequence:
- confirm whether the Act is triggered and which notice route applies
- identify the correct adjoining owners who must be served
- prepare and serve notices correctly and in good time
- manage responses and next steps without unnecessary back-and-forth
- where consent is not given, progress matters to a formal outcome under the Act
The aim is a controlled process: clear notices, realistic timings, and a calm route to conclusion.
Turnaround and communication
Party wall work is time-sensitive. We therefore focus on:
- correct service (right people, right notice type, right timing)
- clear explanations in plain English
- responsive communication so the file does not drift
- practical drafting where formal documentation is required, so agreement is easier and faster
You will be able to communicate directly with the surveyor handling your matter, rather than being passed around a generic inbox.
Frequently asked questions
Who usually pays the party wall surveyor fees?
In many typical domestic situations, the building owner (the owner carrying out the works) usually pays the reasonable professional fees associated with the party wall procedure, particularly where the works are solely for the building owner’s benefit.
Costs can vary depending on:
- how many adjoining owners must be served
- the complexity and duration of the proposed works
- whether consent is given promptly or formal procedures are required
The most reliable way to keep costs down is to act early, serve correctly, and keep the scope stable.
What does a party wall surveyor actually do?
A party wall surveyor’s work typically includes:
- advising whether the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies to your project
- advising on the correct notice type(s) and minimum timings
- serving notices and dealing with formal responses (including counter-notices where relevant)
- progressing the statutory procedure where written consent is not provided
- preparing and agreeing formal documentation under the Act where required
- helping resolve party wall disputes in a structured, professional manner
In short: we make sure the process is lawful, organised, and concluded properly.
What is a “party wall” and a “party structure”?
A party wall is commonly the shared wall between two terraced or semi-detached homes. It can also include certain shared boundary walls (typically masonry, not timber fencing).
A party structure is a broader concept that can include shared structures separating parts of buildings with different owners—for example walls and floors between flats.
Should I speak to a solicitor?
In most everyday party wall matters, surveyors handle the process under the Act. Solicitors are typically only required where issues escalate into court proceedings (for example, injunctions or formal appeals). For most homeowners, early surveyor advice prevents matters reaching that stage.
When should I appoint a party wall surveyor?
The earlier, the better. Notice periods are often 1 or 2 months minimum depending on the type of work, and you must also allow time for neighbour response and, where necessary, the formal procedure.
A sensible rule is to speak to a party wall surveyor as soon as the design is stable enough to describe clearly, and well before your intended start date. Leaving party wall until the builder is booked is one of the most common causes of delay.
Get Cost Saving Pro Advice Now
If you want party wall matters handled clearly, promptly, and with minimal fuss, contact Simple Survey. We keep the process professional and straightforward and focus on cost control through early, correct action. We’re proud to position ourselves as the UK’s cheapest party wall surveyors while maintaining proper standards and responsive service.