Adjoining Owner

If you are an Adjoining Owner and receive a Party Wall Notice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, you have 14 days to respond. This period allows you to consider your rights and how best to protect your property.

If no response is given, the Building Owner must issue a further 10-day notice asking you to appoint a surveyor. If you still do not reply, a surveyor may be appointed on your behalf to ensure the process can legally continue.

When responding to a Party Wall Notice, an Adjoining Owner has three options:

1. Consent to the Party Wall Notice

If you are confident that the proposed works will not damage or affect your property, you may consent.

No Party Wall Award is required.

The Building Owner can proceed with the works.

No surveyor is appointed.

This option is usually chosen where the works are minor or pose minimal risk.

2. Dissent and Appoint Your Own Party Wall Surveyor

If you want your own professional representation, you can dissent and appoint an Adjoining Owner's Party Wall Surveyor.

Your surveyor will:

Review the proposed works

Liaise with the Building Owner's surveyor

Prepare a legally binding Party Wall Award

Protect the condition of your property through a Schedule of Condition

Ensure the works are carried out safely and correctly

This is the most common option when there is any structural risk.

3. Dissent and Use an Agreed Surveyor

You may also dissent and agree to appoint one impartial Agreed Surveyor to act for both owners.

The Agreed Surveyor will:

Review the plans

Act neutrally

Prepare the Party Wall Award

Ensure both parties' rights are protected

This can be a cost-effective option where both owners are comfortable using a single surveyor.

If you are unsure how to respond to a Party Wall Notice or want specialist advice on your rights as an Adjoining Owner, our team of experienced Party Wall Surveyors can guide you through the process and ensure your property is fully protected.