Received a Party Wall Notice? What Adjoining Owners Should Do Next

Do not ignore a Party Wall Notice. You will usually have 14 days to respond. Speak to Grandline Party Wall Surveyors before signing or consenting, so you understand the proposed works and how your property can be protected.

If your neighbour is planning an extension, loft conversion, basement, structural alteration or excavation near your home, you may receive a notice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. As the adjoining owner, receiving a notice does not necessarily mean the work is unsafe or that you must object. It does mean you should review the proposals carefully and respond within the required time.

What Is a Party Wall Notice?

A Party Wall Notice is a formal notice served by a building owner before certain works covered by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 begin. This may include work to a party wall or party structure, building on or near the boundary line, and qualifying excavations close to an adjoining building. The notice should describe the proposed work and, depending on the type of notice, may need to be served one or two months before work starts.

Your Three Main Options as an Adjoining Owner

1. Consent to the Party Wall Notice

You may consent if you are comfortable with the proposed works. Consent does not remove the building owner’s responsibilities under the Act, including the duty to avoid unnecessary inconvenience and liability for loss or damage caused by the works. Before consenting, consider requesting a written schedule of condition and confirmation of working hours, access, protection measures and making-good arrangements.

2. Dissent and Use an Agreed Surveyor

Both owners may jointly appoint one impartial surveyor, known as the agreed surveyor. This can be a proportionate route where the proposals are straightforward and both parties are comfortable using the same professional to settle the matters in dispute.

3. Dissent and Appoint Your Own Surveyor

You may appoint your own party wall surveyor, while the building owner appoints theirs. The two surveyors then select a third surveyor and work towards a Party Wall Award. An Award can determine the right to carry out the works, how and when they are undertaken, protective measures, access arrangements and relevant costs.

Common Mistakes After Receiving a Party Wall Notice

• Ignoring the notice and missing the 14-day response period.

• Assuming “dissent” means stopping or objecting to the neighbour’s project.

• Consenting without reviewing drawings or understanding the construction risk.

• Relying only on informal verbal promises.

• Appointing someone who is not experienced in Party Wall etc. Act procedures.

Received a Party Wall Notice? Contact Grandline Before You Reply

Your response can affect how the proposed works are documented and controlled. Grandline Party Wall Surveyors can review the notice and drawings, explain your options in plain English, advise on the appropriate surveyor appointment, prepare a schedule of condition and help secure a clear Party Wall Award where required.

Contact Grandline Party Wall Surveyors today for an initial discussion about your Party Wall N

otice and the proposed works next door.