Party Wall Guide
Free guide from IPWS qualified party wall surveyors with 13 years London experience
What You’ll Avoid
Common party wall mistakes that cost London property owners thousands in delays and legal fees
Average time lost when party wall notices aren't served correctly or disputes arise from improper procedures
Typical costs of party wall disputes, legal fees, and surveyor appointments when neighbours object to improper notices
Permanent neighbour disputes that affect property values and quality of life long after construction finishes
Inside Your Party Wall Page Guide
Everything you need to know about party wall procedures in London
Do You Need Party Wall Notices?
Clear flowcharts showing exactly which works require notices under the Party Wall Act 1996. Includes extensions, loft conversions, basement excavations, and structural alterations.
The Three Types of Notice
Complete breakdown of Party Structure Notices, Line of Junction Notices, and Excavation Notices—when to use each type and how to serve them correctly.
Timeline and Procedures
Week-by-week guide from initial notice through to final award. Includes minimum notice periods, response deadlines, and what happens if neighbours don't respond.
Appointing Surveyors
How the party wall surveyor system works, who pays for what, and your rights when neighbours appoint their own surveyor or refuse to engage.
The Party Wall Award
What's included in a party wall award, how schedules of condition protect you from false damage claims, and your rights to access neighbouring properties.
Handling Disputes
Proven strategies for resolving neighbour objections, dealing with unreasonable requests, and protecting your rights when things go wrong.
IPWS Qualified Party Wall Surveyors
AC Design Solution has managed party wall agreements across all 32 London boroughs
10,000+
Projects Delivered
32
London Boroughs
13
Years Experience
IPWS
Qualified Surveyors
Ready to Protect Your Project?
Download your free guide and understand party wall procedures before you start
My neighbour is building but hasn't informed me about any work taking place. What can I do?
Your neighbour should have served notices under the statutory framework. If they haven’t, write pointing out their statutory obligations. If they don’t respond, either party may appoint a surveyor. The surveyor will contact them formally.Your surveyor can insist on a survey. This protects adjoining properties. Don’t wait until damage occurs. Early intervention helps avoid disputes.
I have just found out that I need to serve notice on an adjoining owner but my construction has already started – should I stop?
Yes. Stop immediately and serve proper notices.
Proceeding without compliance exposes you to:
Injunctions
Liability for damage
Legal costs
Builders sometimes don’t understand what work is covered by the Act. Appoint a surveyor immediately. This brings things into compliance.
When does the Party Wall Act apply?
The Party Wall Act applies when:
Building on boundary lines
Doing work that affects a party wall
Excavating within three or six metres of neighbouring foundations
Common projects covered by the Act include:
Loft conversions in terraced and semi-detached properties
Extensions
Basement excavations
Removing chimney breasts
Underpinning
Planning permission is separate from statutory obligations. You can have planning approval and still need a party wall survey.
Is there anything I can do about the construction noise coming from next door?
Party wall agreements can include working hours restrictions. But they don’t override rights to do reasonable work at reasonable times.
Normal hours are acceptable:
- 8am–6pm weekdays
- 8am–1pm Saturdays
For excessive noise, contact your local council’s environmental health department. Noise control isn’t covered by the Act.
Areas We Cover
Tap an area to view your local Party Wall Surveyor page.
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