Party wall surveying
We serve notices, record the condition of neighbouring property and agree awards under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 — for the owner doing the work, the neighbour affected by it, or as the agreed surveyor for both.
What it is
In plain English
The Act applies in three situations: work to an existing party structure, new walls built up to or astride the boundary, and excavation close to a neighbouring building — up to 6 metres away.
The owner doing the work (the building owner) must serve notice on each neighbour (the adjoining owner). If a neighbour does not consent within 14 days, a dispute is treated as having arisen under section 10 and surveyors are appointed. They agree an award: a document setting out what may be done, how and when, how the neighbour’s property is protected, and who pays.
An objection cannot stop lawful work, but it does trigger the dispute procedure — so it pays to serve the right notices early. The building owner is usually responsible for all reasonable surveyors’ fees.
Who it’s for
Building owners
You are extending, converting a loft, cutting into a shared wall or digging foundations near a neighbour.
Check which notice you needAdjoining owners
You have received a notice — or work has started next door without one — and want your property recorded and protected.
What to do nextHousing providers & schools
You own many buildings: sometimes you are the one building, sometimes the neighbour. We act on both sides across your estate.
Deliverables
| Deliverable | What you receive | When |
|---|---|---|
| Party wall notice(s) | The correct notice under section 1, 3 or 6, with drawings where required, served on every owner | 1 or 2 months before work |
| Schedule of condition | A written and photographic record of the neighbouring property | Before work starts |
| Party wall award | The agreed document setting out rights, method, working hours, access and costs | Before work starts |
| Drawings review | Checks on structural and foundation details that affect the party wall | During the award |
| Final inspection | A check against the schedule, and resolution of any damage | When work finishes |
Typical timescale
How it runs
- Step 01
Notice served
On every adjoining owner, with drawings.
- Step 02
Consent or dispute
No reply within 14 days means surveyors are appointed.
- Step 03
Schedule and award
Condition recorded; award agreed and served.
- Step 04 · or 2 months
Work can start
Once the notice period ends — earlier only by agreement.
Instant estimate
What might party wall surveying cost?
Three questions give an indicative range. We confirm a fixed fee in a formal proposal once we have seen the drawings.
From £875 + VAT
The building owner normally pays the adjoining owner’s surveyor’s reasonable fees.
Common questions
Common questions about party walls
Not answered here? Call 01245 460222 and speak to a surveyor.
Do I need a party wall notice for my extension?
Usually, yes. Notice is needed if you build a new wall on or up to the boundary, cut into or raise a shared wall, or dig foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building (6 metres for deep foundations or piles). Our notice checker tells you which notice applies in about two minutes.
Who pays the surveyors’ fees?
The owner doing the work normally pays all reasonable surveyors’ fees, including the adjoining owner’s surveyor. If you are the neighbour, appointing a surveyor should not cost you anything.
What happens if my neighbour ignores the notice?
If there is no reply within 14 days a dispute is deemed to have arisen. We write again giving a further 10 days, and if there is still no reply we can appoint a surveyor on your neighbour’s behalf so the work is not held up.
Can my neighbour stop my work?
No. The Act regulates how notifiable work is carried out, not whether it can happen. A dissent leads to an award that sets out method, timing, access and protection — it does not give a neighbour a veto.
What is an agreed surveyor?
One surveyor appointed by both owners to act impartially for both. It is quicker and cheaper than two surveyors, and it is often the sensible choice for straightforward work where both owners are happy with it.
How long does the whole process take?
Notice periods are one month (party structure or excavation) or two months (new wall at the boundary). Where surveyors are appointed, the award normally follows four to eight weeks after appointment, depending on how quickly your neighbour responds and access can be arranged.
Talk to a surveyor about party wall surveying.
Send the address and a few lines on what you need. Or call 01245 460222.
