In short: The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 requires you to give your neighbour written notice before building on or near a shared wall or boundary in England and Wales. If your neighbour consents in writing, no surveyor is needed. If they dissent or do not reply within 14 days, one agreed surveyor or two surveyors must prepare a party wall award.

Last reviewed: 11 October 2026 by Patrick Oliver BSc (Hons) MRICS, RICS Registered Valuer.

Please note: Aston James Associates does not currently act as party wall surveyors. This page is general guidance. To appoint a party wall surveyor, search the RICS Find a Surveyor directory or the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors.

When does the Party Wall Act apply?

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies when you plan to carry out any of three types of work:

  • Work to a party wall or structure, such as cutting in steel beams, raising the wall or removing chimney breasts (section 2). At least two months' notice.
  • Building a new wall on or at the boundary (section 1). At least one month's notice.
  • Excavating near a neighbour's building, within 3 metres and deeper than their foundations, or within 6 metres in some cases (section 6). At least one month's notice.

Can I serve a party wall notice myself?

Yes. A building owner can serve party wall notices without a surveyor, provided the notice contains the information the Act requires and is served correctly on every adjoining owner. Many owners use a surveyor or the government's guidance to make sure the notice is valid.

What happens if my neighbour does not agree?

If your neighbour dissents, or does not reply within 14 days, a dispute is deemed to have arisen. The owners then appoint either one "agreed surveyor" or a surveyor each, who together select a third surveyor. The surveyors prepare a party wall award setting out how and when the work may be done, recording the condition of the neighbour's property, and deciding who pays the costs, which are usually paid by the building owner.

Is a party wall agreement the same as a party wall award?

In everyday use, "party wall agreement" usually means the party wall award made by the surveyors under the Act. Where the neighbour consents in writing, there is no award, although a schedule of condition of their property is still sensible.

Party wall: frequently asked questions

How long does the party wall process take?

With consent, work can start once the notice period ends. Where surveyors are appointed, preparing an award commonly takes several weeks, depending on the complexity of the works and how quickly the surveyors are appointed.

Who pays for the party wall surveyors?

The building owner, meaning the person doing the work, normally pays the reasonable costs of both surveyors, because the work is for their benefit. The award decides costs.

Do I need a party wall notice for a loft conversion?

Usually yes. Most loft conversions involve inserting beams into, or raising, the party wall, which is notifiable work under section 2 of the Act.

Can my neighbour stop the work?

No. The Act does not let a neighbour prevent lawful work, but it gives them protection through the notice, the award and the right to compensation for damage caused by the work.

Read more in can I do a party wall agreement myself?, what are party walls and why do they matter? and what happens during a party wall survey.

This page is general information, not legal advice.