100+ reviews
Have You Been Served a Party Wall Notice?
If you’ve been served a Party Wall Notice, it means your neighbour intends to carry out work that could affect a shared wall, boundary, or nearby structure. This notice is a legal requirement under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, which protects both parties by ensuring work is done properly while minimising risks to adjoining properties. It applies to structural changes, new boundary walls, or excavations near your property. The notice gives you time to review the proposed work and decide how to respond, ensuring transparency and a clear process for addressing any concerns. Your response options are outlined below.
Consent to the Works
If you agree to the Party Wall Notice, no further Party Wall Surveying procedures are necessary. This allows your neighbour, the building owner, to begin their construction work without additional formalities.
Dissent and Appoint a Party Wall Surveyor
Disagreeing with the Party Wall Notice means you’ll need to appoint a Party Wall Surveyor to safeguard your property’s interests. This professional will assess the construction work to minimize any risks. The building owner must also appoint their own Surveyor. The process results in a Party Wall Award, which provides you with legal protection beyond common law. You can choose any Party Wall Surveyor, though we would be happy to assist.
Dissent and Appoint a Joint Party Wall Surveyor
This option is similar to the second, but instead of two separate Surveyors, both you and the building owner agree to a single impartial Surveyor who acts for both parties.
Who Covers the Party Wall Surveyor’s Costs?
Regardless of your response to the Party Wall Notice, the building owner is responsible for all costs, fees, and expenses related to the Party Wall Surveying procedures and the administration of the Party Wall Act 1996.
Responding to the Party Wall Notice
You can submit your Party Wall Notice response electronically by providing the required information below.
Once received, we will update our records and notify the building owner of your decision.
Want to Speak with a Party Wall Surveyor?
Give us a call and speak directly with one of our qualified experienced Party Wall Surveyors. We are here to help and happy to answer your Party Wall Questions.
020 7493 9087
Email us drawings, Party Wall Notices or photographs and our qualified Party Wall Surveying team will review them, and provide a response within 30 minutes.
info@iconsurveyors.co.ukRead Our Latest Reviews
FAQs
What is a Party Wall Notice, and when is it required?
A Party Wall Notice is a legal document that a building owner must serve to adjoining property owners before carrying out work that affects a shared (party) wall, boundary, or structure. It is required under the Party Wall Act 1996 for works such as loft conversions, basement extensions, and structural changes near a neighbour’s property.
How much notice do I need to give my neighbour before starting work?
You must provide at least:
- Two months’ notice for work on an existing party wall.
- One month’s notice for excavation or new boundary wall construction. Work cannot commence until the notice period has expired, and either consent has been given or a Party Wall Award is in place if there is a dispute.
What happens if my neighbour ignores the Party Wall Notice?
If your neighbour does not respond within 14 days, they are considered to have dissented. This means that both parties must appoint Party Wall Surveyors (or a single agreed Surveyor) to resolve the matter and issue a Party Wall Award. This legally regulates the work and protects both sides.
Who pays for the Party Wall Surveyor’s fees?
The building owner initiating the work is responsible for covering all reasonable costs, including surveyor fees for both parties, unless it is determined that the adjoining owner has caused delays or disputes that result in additional expenses.
Can I refuse to consent to the Party Wall Notice, and what happens if I do?
Yes, you have the right to dissent (disagree). If you do so, a Party Wall Surveyor must be appointed to assess the work and ensure your property is protected. If an agreement isn’t reached, a Party Wall Award will be put in place, setting out how and when the work can proceed while protecting your interests.
Why Choose Icon Surveyors
Highly qualified
Certified by the leading governing bodies in the property industry
Experienced
More than 20 years of experience in the industry
Local
UK-wide locations mean we’re always close by for your surveying needs.
Competitive Pricing
Offering you the best value for money