(We make a confusing process simple.)
Whether you’re planning a loft, rear extension or basement, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 sets the rules that keep projects moving and neighbours protected. Here’s the clear, no-nonsense route through it—what happens, who decides, who pays, and where Simple Survey fits in.
1) One framework, nationwide
The Act is an enabling law. It lets Building Owners carry out certain works that affect shared walls, boundaries or nearby foundations—provided they follow the Act’s procedure. All surveyors (good ones, at least!) work from this same framework.
2) Notifiable works = serve Notice
If your plans fall within the Act (e.g., cutting into a party wall, building up to the boundary, excavating within 3–6m to a depth below a neighbour’s foundations), you must serve a Party Wall Notice before starting.
3) Three valid responses
Adjoining Owners can respond in any of these Act-defined ways:
- Consent – Works proceed without an Award (with fewer built-in safeguards).
- Dissent & Agreed Surveyor – One impartial surveyor acts for both owners and issues an Award.
- Dissent & Own Surveyor – Each owner appoints a surveyor; they agree an Award (with a Third Surveyor in reserve).
4) Who pays? the Building Owner
Because the works are for the Building Owner’s benefit, they typically cover the reasonable Party Wall fees (their own surveyor and, where applicable, the neighbour’s).
5) “Surveyor” isn’t a protected title—choose carefully
Under the Act, almost anyone can call themselves a party wall surveyor. That’s why experience, RICS qualification, insurance and building-pathology know-how matter.
6) You can’t “sack” a Party Wall Surveyor
Once appointed under Section 10, a surveyor is statutory and independent. They don’t represent you; they administer the Act. Pick wisely from the start.
7) Skip the process, risk an injunction
Failing to serve valid Notices (or ignoring an Award) can result in injunctions, delays and additional costs. Doing it right is faster—and safer.
8) Our fees are always fixed
No surprises. Clear scope, clear price, and a written breakdown up front.
9) We’re nationwide
From London terraces to coastal semis and everything between—we cover England & Wales.
10) Experienced and qualified
We’re building surveyors as well as party wall specialists. That blend of legal procedure + building pathology keeps your project compliant and protected.
Simple Survey — Transparent Pricing
- Party Wall Notice service: £25 per adjoining ownership
(multi-notice bundles discounted) - Agreed Surveyor administration (single surveyor): typically £300 fixed-fee
(depends on complexity and number of notices/owners) - Two-surveyor route (we act for the Building Owner): fixed-fee from £325 (our side)
(we work to keep your neighbour’s surveyor’s hourly fees reasonable and contained)
Ready to get started (properly)?
Email your drawings and site address—we’ll confirm what’s notifiable, serve valid Notices, and map the quickest compliant path to your Party Wall Award.
Email: team@simplesurvey.co.uk
Simple Survey — the simple, qualified, fixed-fee way to stay legal, neighbourly and on schedule.