.png)
.png)
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 sets out the legal framework for preventing and resolving disputes between neighbours when building works affect shared walls, boundaries, or structures. It ensures that both property owners understand their rights and responsibilities before any work begins.
Following the correct party wall process is a legal requirement for many home improvement and construction projects across England and Wales. Whether you’re planning a rear extension, loft conversion, or basement excavation, compliance with the Act protects both you and your neighbour from costly misunderstandings or damage claims.
In this guide, we’ll explain how the Party Wall process works, step by step from serving notices to receiving an Award, so you know exactly what to expect at each stage.
You must follow the Party Wall procedure whenever proposed works could impact a structure shared with or close to a neighbouring property. Common examples include:
Under the Act, the building owner must give formal notice to the adjoining owner before any qualifying works begin. Failure to do so can result in delays, legal challenges, or even a court injunction to stop work.
The first step in the Party Wall process is the serving of a Party Wall Notice.
The building owner (or their appointed surveyor) is legally responsible for serving the notice to any adjoining owners who may be affected.
A valid Party Wall Notice must clearly outline:
The Act recognises three main types:
Notices must usually be served at least one or two months before work begins, depending on the type of work. The adjoining owner then has 14 days to respond.
Once the notice is received, the adjoining owner can respond in one of three ways:
If the adjoining owner does not reply within 14 days, the law assumes dissent, and the Party Wall Surveyor process begins automatically.
Good communication between neighbours at this stage often helps to avoid disputes and ensure smoother progress.
Once dissent is established, surveyors must be appointed. These professionals ensure the Party Wall Act procedure is followed correctly and impartially.
Role of the Party Wall Surveyor
The surveyor’s role includes:
You may appoint one Agreed Surveyor (if both parties consent) or two separate surveyors who work together to produce the Award.
At Party Walls Limited, our RICS Chartered Surveyors bring extensive experience and a deep understanding of construction law, ensuring the process remains fair, compliant, and efficient.
Before construction begins, the surveyor prepares a Schedule of Condition Report, that is a detailed record of the adjoining property’s condition.
This document provides photographic and written evidence of the neighbouring property before work starts. It serves as a reference point if any damage is later claimed during or after construction.
This stage is essential for preventing disputes and ensuring transparency throughout the Party Wall procedure.
The Party Wall Award (or Agreement) is the legal document that allows the works to begin after all concerns have been addressed.
Legal Standing
The Party Wall Award is legally binding under the Act. Both owners must adhere to its terms, and any breach could result in enforcement or compensation.
Once the Award is in place, the building owner can start work but the process doesn’t end there.
Surveyors may conduct site inspections to ensure the works comply with the Award. Open communication helps prevent disputes or misunderstandings.
A post-work inspection is often carried out to confirm that no damage has occurred. If damage is found, the surveyor will determine fair compensation or remedial action as outlined in the Award.
The typical Party Wall process timeline runs between 6 and 10 weeks, depending on project complexity and response times.
Example overview:
Early engagement with a qualified surveyor can speed up this process and prevent costly project delays.
Many homeowners unintentionally breach the Act by skipping or mismanaging key steps. Avoid these common errors:
Even small administrative errors can render a notice invalid, forcing you to restart the process and delaying your project.
At Party Walls Limited, we manage the entire Party Wall process from start to finish, ensuring accuracy, legal compliance, and peace of mind at every step.
Our services include:
With over 15 years of experience and a team of RICS-accredited surveyors, we provide custom solutions for both residential and commercial clients across London and the Home Counties.
If you’re planning construction near a shared wall or boundary, speak to our team today for expert advice and fast, compliant service.
The Party Wall process protects both property owners when construction work affects shared walls or boundaries. By following the correct step-by-step procedure from serving notice to issuing an Award you can avoid disputes, delays, and unnecessary costs.
If you’re planning construction near a shared wall, let our experienced RICS Chartered Surveyors guide you through the Party Wall process fensuring full compliance and peace of mind.
On average, the process takes 6 to 10 weeks, depending on complexity, notice periods, and surveyor appointments.
Not always. A surveyor becomes essential once a neighbour dissents or fails to respond, ensuring the process stays compliant with the Act.
If they dissent or do not respond, surveyors can still be appointed, and the Party Wall Award can be issued without their active participation.
Yes. You can appeal to the county court within 14 days of receiving the Award if you believe it contains an error or is unfair.
Costs vary depending on project size and surveyor involvement. Typically, the building owner covers all reasonable surveyor fees.
