Party Wall Questions & Answers – Complete Homeowner’s Guide for London & the Home Counties

Tom Norris
Sep 7
3 min read

Updated: Sep 8

Introduction: Why This Guide Matters

If you’re planning a home extension in Surrey, a basement conversion in Kensington, or a loft build in Streatham, understanding the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is critical. This legislation exists to protect both you and your neighbours during construction, but for many homeowners it feels like legal jargon and red tape.

This in-depth Q&A landing page is your definitive resource. We’ve combined decades of surveying experience with practical advice to make Party Wall compliance simple and stress-free—no matter where you are in London or the Home Counties.

What is a Party Wall, and Why Does the Act Exist?

A party wall is any structure that straddles a boundary or is shared between two or more properties. The Act governs:

Party Structures: Shared walls between terraced or semi-detached homes.
Party Fence Walls: Boundary walls built astride the boundary line.
Excavations: Work within 3m (or in some cases 6m) of a neighbour’s property.
New Walls on Boundaries: Any wall built directly up to or astride a boundary line.

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 ensures:

Neighbours are formally notified of proposed work.
Clear documentation protects all parties.
Surveyors resolve disputes before work begins.

When You Need to Serve a Party Wall Notice

A Party Wall Notice is required at least two months before starting work if you plan to:

Build a side or rear extension
Dig foundations within 3m or 6m of a neighbouring building
Convert a loft or remove a chimney breast
Build a basement
Erect a garden or boundary wall
Convert a house into flats affecting shared floors/ceilings

Skipping this step risks legal action, financial claims, and work stoppages.

The Full Party Wall Process Explained

Step	What Happens	Why It Matters
1. Initial Consultation	A surveyor reviews your drawings to identify legal obligations.	Avoids missing crucial notice requirements.
2. Serving Notices	Formal notices drafted and delivered to all adjoining owners.	Creates a clear legal record.
3. Neighbour Response	Neighbours have 14 days to consent, dissent, or remain silent.	Silence is treated as dissent.
4. Surveyor Appointment	One agreed surveyor or two separate surveyors appointed.	Neutral experts resolve concerns fairly.
5. Schedule of Condition	Detailed inspection of neighbouring properties before work begins.	Protects against false damage claims.
6. Party Wall Award	A binding legal agreement specifying how work is carried out.	Ensures clear expectations and safeguards.

Costs: What Homeowners Should Expect

Party Wall costs are usually the responsibility of the building owner.

Simple awards: £500–£1,500 per surveyor
Complex projects (e.g., basements): £2,000+
Using a single Agreed Surveyor can reduce costs significantly.We provide fixed-fee quotes upfront for transparency.

Handling Neighbour Disputes and Non-Responses

If your neighbour:

Doesn’t respond: After 14 days, this counts as dissent; surveyors are appointed.
Objects: The surveyor(s) will mediate and produce a fair Award.
Worries about damage: A Schedule of Condition reassures them and protects you.

This process is designed to avoid expensive legal disputes and keep your project moving.

Projects That Commonly Trigger Party Wall Procedures

Loft conversions in Victorian and Edwardian terraces (Clapham, Balham, Islington)
Basement digs in Chelsea, Kensington, Hampstead, and Surrey
Rear kitchen extensions across suburban Home Counties properties
Garden wall rebuilds in Hertfordshire and Essex
High-value apartment renovations in Mayfair, Marylebone, and Belgravia

Local Expertise: London & the Home Counties

Our surveyors combine technical knowledge with local planning insight:

London boroughs: Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster, Lambeth, Southwark, Camden, Wandsworth, Haringey, etc.
Home Counties: Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, and Berkshire.
Estates & Conservation Areas: Grosvenor Estate, Cadogan Estate, Regent’s Park Nash Terraces, and South London conservation streets.

FAQs: Homeowners’ Biggest Questions

Q: How long does the Party Wall process take? Typically 4–8 weeks depending on complexity and response times.

Q: Can I start work without an Award if neighbours consent? Yes, but we recommend at least a Schedule of Condition to protect you.

Q: Do I need separate surveyors? No, many projects use a single Agreed Surveyor, saving time and money.

Q: Does the Act cover garden outbuildings? Yes, if they involve excavation near a neighbour’s property or shared boundary walls.

Why Choose MET Surveyors

London Specialists: Decades of experience in high-density housing and premium developments.
Heritage Expertise: Skilled with Grade I/II-listed and conservation-area homes.
Home Counties Coverage: Ideal for suburban builds, extensions, and new developments.
Neighbour-Focused: Mediation-first approach prevents disputes.
Fast Turnaround: Notices and Awards served quickly to avoid delays.