What Should I Do When Served with a Party Wall Notice?

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If you've received a Party Wall Notice, it's important to understand your rights and responsibilities before responding. We recommend speaking with a qualified party wall surveyor who can offer advice tailored to your situation — our surveyors are happy to provide this initial guidance free of charge.

You have two options in response to a notice:

• Consent to the works.

• Dissent, which invokes the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and provides legal protections during the building process.

If you dissent, a formal Party Wall Award will be required. In most cases, the building owner will cover your surveyor’s fees, except in rare circumstances which we will clarify from the outset. Dissenting does not prevent the work from proceeding but ensures it’s carried out under the safeguards of the Act.
 

My Neighbour Has Started Work Without Serving a Notice — What Can I Do?
 

First, confirm whether the Party Wall etc. Act applies to the work. Our team can assess this with you free of charge. If the works are notifiable and no notice has been served:

1. Speak to your neighbour and request that they pause the works while the matter is reviewed.

2. Contact us — we can help facilitate this conversation.

3. If your neighbour refuses to stop or acknowledge the Act, you may apply for a court injunction to halt the works until the legal requirements are met.
    

As an Adjoining Owner, Who Can I Appoint as My Surveyor?

 

You may appoint any surveyor of your choice, provided they are not connected to the proposed works. The appointment must be made in writing. Due to the technical nature of the Party Wall Act, we strongly recommend choosing a surveyor experienced in party wall matters to ensure your interests are fully protected.
 

 

What is a Party Wall Award (Agreement)?
 

A Party Wall Award — sometimes called a Party Wall Agreement — is a legally binding document prepared by the appointed surveyors (or a single Agreed Surveyor) to resolve disputes arising from the notice. The Award outlines:

• How and when the works will be carried out.

• Responsibility for costs (usually the building owner).

• A record of the condition of your property before work begins (Schedule of Condition) to help assess any damage caused by the works.

 

What Is Included in a Party Wall Award?
 

 

A typical Party Wall Award includes:

• The formal Party Wall Agreement.

• A Schedule of Condition of your property.

• Drawings of the proposed works.

• Specific protections and provisions, which may include:

  • Permitted working hours

  • Dust and debris control

  • Noise and vibration management

  • Security measures

  • Requirements to make good or compensate for any damage

  • other necessary clauses which are applicable.

Please note: The Party Wall Award does not cover planning permission issues or boundary disputes — these are separate legal matters and are not determined by the appointed surveyors.