Homeowner Guide for Adjoining Owners

Tom Norris
5 days ago
3 min read

What to Do if You Receive a Party Wall Notice

Introduction

If a neighbour is planning a loft conversion in Clapham, a rear extension in Streatham, or a basement excavation in Chelsea, you might receive a Party Wall Notice through your letterbox.

For many homeowners, this can feel worrying — “What are they building? Will my property be damaged? Do I need a surveyor too?”

This guide is written for adjoining owners (neighbours), not the building owner, so you can understand your rights, protections, and options under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

What Is a Party Wall Notice?

A Party Wall Notice is a formal document your neighbour must serve if their works might:

Affect a shared wall or structure.
Include excavations within 3–6 metres of your home.
Build a new wall on or astride the boundary line.

It doesn’t mean their project is approved yet — it’s a legal step to protect you.

Your Rights as an Adjoining Owner

Under the Act, you are entitled to:

Advanced Notice: You must be given 1–2 months’ notice before work starts.
Detailed Information: Notices must include plans, descriptions, and timelines.
Protection of Your Property: Your home’s condition will be recorded before work begins.
Professional Representation: You can appoint your own surveyor (at your neighbour’s expense).
Fair Compensation: Any damage caused by works must be repaired or paid for.

Your Options When You Receive a Notice

Option	What It Means	Next Steps
Consent	You’re happy for the work to proceed.	Sign and return the form. Consider a Schedule of Condition for protection.
Dissent	You’re not comfortable without formal safeguards.	Appoint a surveyor (paid for by the building owner).
Ignore	Silence counts as dissent after 14 days.	A surveyor will be appointed for you.

Why Dissenting Doesn’t Mean You’re Difficult

Dissenting simply means you want a formal Party Wall Award before work starts. This Award:

Sets out exactly how and when the works will take place.
Specifies protective measures for your home.
Documents your home’s condition to prevent disputes.
Gives you legal rights and peace of mind.

The Role of Party Wall Surveyors

Surveyors are neutral experts, not advocates for either party. Their role is to:

Protect both the building and adjoining owners.
Create a fair, legally binding Award.
Document your home’s current condition with detailed photos.
Resolve disputes quickly and fairly.

You can:

Agree on a single surveyor (cheaper, faster).
Each appoint your own surveyor (building owner pays both fees).

Example Scenario: Dissent Done Right

A homeowner in Battersea received a notice about a neighbour’s basement excavation. They dissented, worried about vibration damage.

MET Surveyors acted as Agreed Surveyor for both parties.
A Party Wall Award included vibration monitoring and restricted working hours.
Work proceeded smoothly, with no damage or tension.

How a Party Wall Award Protects You

Protection	Benefit
Detailed Plans	Full clarity on what’s being built and when.
Condition Report	Photo evidence of your property before works.
Access Rules	Control over when contractors can enter your land.
Damage Resolution	Clear process for repairs or compensation.
Legal Enforcement	Award is enforceable in court if needed.

Common Questions from Neighbours

Q: Will I have to pay for the surveyor? No. The building owner covers all reasonable Party Wall fees, including your surveyor.

Q: Can I stop the work? You can’t stop lawful development, but the Act ensures it’s done safely and fairly.

Q: Should I always dissent? For small works like minor chimney removals, you may feel comfortable consenting. For larger projects (extensions, basements), dissenting is often wise for added protection.