What to do if you receive a Party Wall Notice.
06 August 2025If you receive a Party Wall Notice in the post, it means your neighbour plans to carry out works that could affect your property. This might be an extension, a loft conversion, a basement dig, the removal of a chimney breast, or a combination of these.
The Notice should set out exactly what they want to do, and you have 14 days to respond. If you don’t, a surveyor can be appointed on your behalf – only, without your input.
The Party Wall etc. Act exists to let building works go ahead while protecting the interests of both owners. For you, as the Adjoining Owner, it means:
✅ You have a say in certain aspects of the works that may affect your property.
✅ You can have a Schedule of Condition survey carried out before work starts, creating a clear, detailed record of your property’s current state.
✅ If damage occurs as a result of the works, the Building Owner (your neighbour) is responsible for repairs.
In almost all cases, the Building Owner covers the surveyors’ fees.
There are three main ways to respond:
1) Consent to the works
If the works are minor and non-structural, you may choose to agree in writing and let the project proceed without involving surveyors. This can save your neighbour the cost of fees.
However, be aware: without a Schedule of Condition in place, proving and resolving damage later can be more difficult. For anything beyond very minor works, we generally do not recommend this route.
2) Dissent and appoint an agreed surveyor
You can dissent and agree to use the surveyor suggested by the Building Owner. This “agreed surveyor” must act impartially, administering the Act fairly for both sides.
If that surveyor is already working for your neighbour in another role (for example, as project manager), it is best to appoint someone independent.
When we are appointed as agreed surveyor, we:
Carry out a meticulous Schedule of Condition, including high-resolution photographs.
Prepare a clear, comprehensive Party Wall Award, setting out your rights and the Building Owner’s duties.
Ensure all drawings and details are correct, so there is no ambiguity during the works.
3) Dissent and appoint your own surveyor
You can dissent and appoint your own surveyor. In most cases, their fees (and the cost of the Schedule of Condition) will still be covered by the Building Owner.
In this arrangement, each side’s surveyor works together to agree the Award. If they cannot agree, a pre-selected Third Surveyor will make the final decision.
Dissent is the technical term used in the Act. It does not mean you are objecting to the works , only that you want the protections the Act allows.
Choose TCL for An Experienced & Savvy Surveyor
With decades of experience and full professional indemnity cover, we ensure your interests are protected from the moment you receive a Notice. We understand where risks lie, we document everything precisely, and we handle the process without delay or unnecessary friction.
If you receive a Party Wall Notice, call 020 3176 0029, or email info@tcl-surveyors.co.uk. One of our senior surveyors will talk you through your options and recommend the best way forward for your property.
