The Party Wall Act sets out how building works affecting shared or neighbouring structures should be managed.
It provides a fair process for both the Building Owner (carrying out the works) and the Adjoining Owner (the neighbour), helping avoid disputes.

It applies when you plan to:
- Carry out work to a shared (party) wall, such as inserting steel beams or removing a chimney breast
- Build on or up to the boundary line
- Excavate within 3 or 6 metres of a neighbour’s foundations
If you’re unsure whether your works fall under the Act, we can review your drawings and confirm.

In nearly all cases, the Building Owner pays all reasonable fees — including those for the Adjoining Owner’s surveyor if separate surveyors are appointed.

Ideally, you should serve Party Wall Notices once your design is finalised and planning permission is submitted.
The process typically takes 4–8 weeks, so starting early helps avoid project delays.

If there’s no response within 14 days, a dispute is deemed to have arisen.
After serving a 10-day request, the Building Owner may appoint a surveyor on the neighbour’s behalf under Section 10(4) of the Act. This ensures the process can continue lawfully — even without their response.

A Party Wall Award is a legal document agreed by the appointed surveyor(s).
It sets out how the works should be carried out, access arrangements, and protection measures for both properties.
Once served, it gives the Building Owner the legal right to start the works.

Yes — this is known as an Agreed Surveyor.
They act impartially for both owners, helping the process run more quickly and cost-effectively.

This report records the condition of the Adjoining Owner’s property before works begin.
It includes written descriptions and photographs and helps protect both parties should any damage be alleged later.
Learn more about Schedule of Condition Surveys

No — minor works such as drilling for shelves, rewiring, or replastering usually don’t require notice.
A notice is only required for structural alterations that affect the wall’s strength or support.

The Act gives the Building Owner a legal right of access to the Adjoining Owner’s land if it’s necessary to carry out notifiable works — for example, to install flashing or foundations.
However, reasonable notice (usually 14 days) must be given.

You can appeal to the County Court within 14 days of the Award being served.
Appeals are rare but can be made if you believe the surveyor acted improperly or outside their powers.

Party Wall Surveyors must act impartially, even when appointed by a specific owner.
If you’re unhappy, the matter can be referred to the Third Surveyor, who has the authority to make a final decision.

No — the Act deals only with construction-related matters.
Boundary ownership or position disputes are handled separately, often requiring a Boundary Survey or Title Plan review.

The Party Wall Award will usually include a clause allowing compensation or requiring reinstatement if damage occurs.
If there’s disagreement, a new disoute arises and surveyors will be required to be re-appointed to resolve the dispute.

Yes. The Party Wall Act operates separately from planning and building control.
You’ll need to comply with all three processes before starting work.

Our fees start from £699 + VAT for one Party Wall Award.
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We provide Party Wall services across:
All of London (Hackney, Islington, Camden, Enfield, Waltham Forest, Lewisham, Clapham Bexley, and beyond)
Hertfordshire
Kent
Essex
Surrey