Party Wall Advice for Adjoining Owners
Independent, plain-English guidance for neighbours affected by someone else's building work. No jargon, no sales pitch, no cost to read.
For a party structure or excavation notice, absence of written consent within 14 days triggers the Act's dispute procedure. New-wall notices under section 1 have different consequences, so first check which notice you have received. Respond promptly and keep the notice and delivery records. Where a dispute arises, one agreed surveyor or separate surveyors can be appointed. The building owner normally pays reasonable surveyor costs. Under section 10(13), the surveyors determine who pays reasonable costs arising from the dispute; section 11 separately addresses expenses of the works. Check the written appointment terms and agree the fee arrangements before instruction.
Last reviewed: August 2026 by Jasmeet Mudan BA
What happens after you receive a party wall notice?
The 14-day deadline, your three options, and what happens if you do nothing. The first decision you need to make, explained in the order it actually happens.
Read the guide →Do I have to agree to my neighbour's surveyor?
No. Appointing your own surveyor is a statutory right. When an agreed surveyor is genuinely sensible, and when it is not.
Read the guide →Who pays the party wall surveyor's fees?
Normally the building owner. How section 10(13), reasonable dispute costs and your appointment terms affect responsibility.
Read the guide →What does a party wall award actually do?
What the award controls, what it cannot stop, when work is allowed to begin, and your 14-day right of appeal to the county court.
Read the guide →How does the Party Wall Act protect you?
The six specific protections the Act gives an adjoining owner, including the schedule of condition that decides most damage disputes.
Read the guide →These guides are written for adjoining owners
An adjoining owner is the neighbour of the person doing the building work. If you received the notice, these guides are for you, and the building owner normally pays for your surveyor.
If you are the one planning a loft conversion, extension or basement, you are the building owner. Your duties are different, and the guide below sets them out.
Still not sure where you stand?
Send us the notice you received, or call and describe the situation. We will tell you which option applies and what it means for you. No charge, no obligation.