Receiving a Party Wall Notice isn’t optional admin—it’s a formal step under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 that requires a written reply. Your response determines what happens next, who gets involved, and how much control you keep over the process. Here’s the clear, no-nonsense guide.
Your three lawful options
1) Consent (in writing)
If you’re comfortable with the proposals and they align with the Act, you can give written consent to the neighbour who served the notice.
- The works may proceed under the Act without triggering the dispute-resolution procedure.
- If a new, specific issue later arises connected to the notified works, you can still raise a dispute at that point.
2) Dissent (in writing)
If you have reservations, want conditions attached, or simply prefer formal oversight, issue a written dissent.
- A dissent creates a dispute under Section 10 of the Act.
- You can either agree to appoint one impartial Agreed Surveyor for both parties, or appoint your own surveyor (your neighbour then appoints theirs).
- The surveyor(s) will resolve the disputed points and issue a Party Wall Award setting out what is authorised and on what terms.
3) Do nothing (strongly discouraged)
If you don’t reply within the statutory period (typically 14 days from receipt), the law treats that silence as a dispute.
- Your neighbour can then give you 10 further days to appoint a surveyor.
- If you still don’t respond, a surveyor can be appointed on your behalf so the statutory process can continue without you.
Why your timing matters
- Protects your say: A prompt written response preserves your choice of surveyor and your ability to shape conditions.
- Prevents escalation: Engaging early keeps matters within the Act’s orderly framework and away from avoidable conflict.
- Keeps costs predictable: Clear positions early on tend to reduce back-and-forth and knock-on project delays.
What to put in your reply
- State plainly Consent or Dissent.
- If dissenting, say whether you’ll use an Agreed Surveyor or are appointing your own.
- Briefly outline any key concerns or conditions you want considered so they can be addressed in the Award.
Quick checklist (before you hit send)
- Have you replied within 14 days of receiving the notice?
- Is your response in writing (email or letter) and clearly labelled?
- Have you included your name, address, and date?
- If dissenting, have you named your surveyor (or agreed to one)?
Simple Survey Costs
Transparent, fixed pricing with Simple Survey
- Party Wall Notice service: £25 per adjoining ownership (multi-notice bundles discounted).
- Act administration as Agreed Surveyor (single surveyor): typically £300 fixed-fee, depending on complexity and number of notices/owners.
- Two-surveyor route (we act for the building side): fixed-fee proposals from £325 for our side. (The other surveyor often bills hourly; we work to keep those costs reasonable and contained.)
- Complex works (deep excavations, multi-owner blocks): we’ll still offer fixed pricing as above.
- No surprises, no creeping extras. You’ll know the number before we start.
Who usually pays? Under the Act, the party undertaking the works normally pays the reasonable costs of administering the procedures.
FAQs
Do I have to reply within 14 days?
Yes. The Act gives you 14 days from receipt to reply. Silence is treated as a dispute, which can trigger appointments without your input.
I consented—can I change my mind later?
You can raise a new dispute later if a fresh, specific issue connected to the notified works arises. A prior consent doesn’t remove all future rights.
Can my neighbour insist I use their chosen surveyor?
No. You’re free to appoint your own surveyor or agree to one impartial Agreed Surveyor. Your neighbour cannot dictate your representation.
What if I think the notice is invalid?
You should respond in writing and flag the issue. An invalid notice can be re-served correctly; addressing it early avoids unnecessary escalation.
What happens if I ignore everything?
After 14 days, a dispute is deemed to have arisen; after a further 10 days, a surveyor can be appointed on your behalf so the process continues without you.
How long does it take to get an Award once I dissent?
Timeframes depend on the quality of information, responsiveness of parties, and complexity. Clear drawings and prompt communication keep things moving.
Will this affect my ability to use my property?
The Act aims to facilitate lawful works while preventing unnecessary inconvenience. Any authorised access or terms will be set out in the Award.
What if costs look excessive?
Costs under the Act must be reasonable. If there’s a genuine disagreement about fees, there are formal routes to determine what’s fair.
Need a clean, compliant response today?
Email team@simplesurvey.co.uk and attach your notice. We’ll spell out your options in plain English and—if you want—draft the correct reply and handle the next steps on a lowest-cost, fixed-fee basis.
Simple Survey — fast, affordable Party Wall help you can rely on.