Party Wall FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Clear guidance from your RICS Chartered Surveyor at Cube Building Consultancy

1. What is a Party Wall?
A party wall is a shared wall between two properties. It can form part of a building or stand alone, such as a garden wall separating two houses. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 gives party walls specific legal protection, so both property owners get fair treatment when planning building work.

2. Why do I need to serve a Party Wall Notice?
Serving a Party Wall Notice is a legal requirement under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. It formally informs your neighbour of your proposed works and gives them the opportunity to consent or appoint a surveyor. Failure to serve a notice may result in legal complications and delays.

3. What works require a Party Wall Notice?
You must serve a notice if you are:

  • Building on or near a boundary
  • Carrying out work to a shared wall or structure
  • Excavating near a neighbouring property (usually within 3–6 metres)
    This includes extensions, loft conversions, basement works, and even some internal renovations.

4. Who do I serve a Party Wall Notice on?
You must serve a notice on any adjoining owner who shares a boundary or structure with your property. This includes freeholders, leaseholders (with leases over 12 months), and sometimes tenants, depending on the lease terms.

5. How many Notices do I need to serve?
You must serve a separate notice on each affected adjoining owner. For example, if your property borders three others, or if there are multiple leaseholders in a neighbouring block, you must issue each with a formal notice, in this instance.

6. When do I need to serve the Notices?
You must serve Party Wall Notices at least:

  • 2 months before work starts for structural or excavation works
  • 1 month for boundary line works
    It’s best to serve notices as early as possible to avoid delays in your project timeline.

7. When do I need to appoint a Party Wall Surveyor?
>If your neighbour dissents to the notice, or fails to respond within 14 days, you must appoint a Party Wall Surveyor. In some cases, both parties may agree to use one joint surveyor. If not, each side will appoint their own, and the two surveyors will work together to agree a Party Wall Award.

8. How do I find a Party Wall Surveyor?
Choose a qualified and experienced surveyor who specialises in party wall matters. RICS Chartered Surveyors are a good starting point: the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors regulates them and holds them to strict professional standards.

9. How much is it likely to cost for a Party Wall Surveyor?
Costs vary depending on the complexity of the project and how many surveyors you need. As a guide:

  • Simple cases with one agreed surveyor: from £750+
  • More complex cases with two surveyors: £1,000–£2,500+
    In most situations, the building owner (the person undertaking the works) pays the surveyors’ fees.

10. What happens if I start work before the end of the Notice Period?
Starting work without serving a notice, or before the notice period ends, breaches the Party Wall Act. Your neighbour could seek an injunction to stop the work, and you may be liable for any damage you cause. Always follow the correct procedure to avoid legal issues.

11. What if the neighbour damages my property during their works, even if an Award is in place?
If your neighbour’s work causes damage, even when a Party Wall Award is in place, you can claim for repairs or compensation. The Award includes a Schedule of Condition, which serves as evidence. Your surveyor will assess the damage and help resolve the issue, potentially through further negotiation or dispute resolution.

Need support with a Party Wall matter?
Contact Cube’s team of experienced RICS Chartered Surveyors today for practical, professional advice and representation.