Top 5 Party Wall Mistakes to Avoid

Tom Norris
6 days ago
3 min read

Expert Advice for London & Home Counties Homeowners

Introduction

If you’re planning a loft conversion in Streatham, a basement in Chelsea, or a rear extension in Surrey, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 will likely apply.

But many homeowners make avoidable mistakes that lead to:

Delayed projects
Increased costs
Neighbour disputes
Even legal injunctions stopping work

Here are the top 5 Party Wall mistakes we see every day — and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Not Serving Notices Early

The Problem:Many homeowners assume they can tell neighbours informally, or they leave notices to the last minute.

Why It’s a Mistake:

The Act requires 1–2 months’ notice before starting work.
A rushed or late notice can delay your build by months.
Early notices allow time to resolve concerns calmly.

How to Avoid:

Serve notices as soon as your plans are ready.
Hire a surveyor to ensure your notice is valid and complete.

Mistake 2: Forgetting All Adjoining Owners

The Problem:Many people serve notices only to the neighbour they know, forgetting freeholders, leaseholders, or other affected properties.

Why It’s a Mistake:

Missing an adjoining owner invalidates the process.
Work can be legally stopped until notices are corrected.
Neighbours may become hostile if they’re left out.

How to Avoid:

Use Land Registry checks to identify every owner.
A professional surveyor will handle this for you.

Mistake 3: DIY Notices That Don’t Meet Legal Requirements

The Problem:DIY notices often miss critical information, like plans, timelines, or the exact description of work.

Why It’s a Mistake:

Invalid notices reset the 2-month clock, delaying your project.
Poor communication increases neighbour suspicion and dissent.

How to Avoid:

Use a qualified Party Wall Surveyor to draft and serve notices.
If DIY, use a professional template and double-check all details.

Mistake 4: Skipping a Schedule of Condition

The Problem:Even when neighbours consent, many homeowners skip a condition survey.

Why It’s a Mistake:

Without evidence of your neighbour’s property condition before work, you risk false damage claims.
Repairs or disputes can cost thousands.

How to Avoid:

Always get a Schedule of Condition done.
This photographic and written record protects both sides.

Mistake 5: Starting Work Without an Award

The Problem:Some homeowners think written consent is enough and start work without a formal Party Wall Award.

Why It’s a Mistake:

Without a legally binding Award, neighbours can file an injunction to stop your work.
You have no clear framework for resolving disputes.

How to Avoid:

If there’s dissent, hire a surveyor to prepare an Award.
Even with consent, consider an Award for complex projects (basements, listed buildings.

Why These Mistakes Cost You More Than Money

Party Wall mistakes often lead to:

Delayed building schedules (weeks or months)
Higher costs (multiple surveyors, legal fees)
Damaged neighbour relationships (making disputes harder)
Stress and uncertainty throughout your renovation

A small upfront investment in a qualified surveyor saves time, money, and peace of mind.

Case Study: A Real-World Example

A Battersea homeowner started a basement project without serving notices to all adjoining owners. One neighbour sought a court injunction, halting work for 3 months.

MET Surveyors were called in to:

Serve valid notices
Draft a Party Wall Award with protective measures
Restore neighbour trust

Total cost? Over £4,000 extra in legal fees — all avoidable with proper preparation.

How to Get Party Wall Compliance Right

Best Practice	Why It Matters
Serve notices early	Prevents rushed decisions and delays.
Hire a surveyor	Avoids invalid notices and ensures compliance.
Get a Schedule of Condition	Protects you from false claims.
Communicate clearly	Keeps neighbours cooperative.
Plan ahead for surveyor costs	Budget realistically for your project.

FAQs

Q: Can I serve my own notices? Yes, but professional notices are faster, valid, and less likely to upset neighbours.

Q: Who pays for the surveyors? Usually the building owner, unless work is for the neighbour’s benefit.

Q: Does this apply in the Home Counties? Yes, the Party Wall Act applies across all of England and Wales.

Why Choose MET Surveyors

Experience: Thousands of successful notices and Awards.
Local Knowledge: Experts in London boroughs and Home Counties like Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire.
Neighbour-Friendly: Clear communication reduces disputes.
Fixed Fees: No surprise charges.