I have received a Party Wall Notice
A Party Wall Notice is a formal notice served by a property owner to their neighbours to inform them of building work that will affect a shared wall or boundary. The notice is typically required by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 in England and Wales, and serves as a way to ensure that the building work is carried out in accordance with the law and that the rights of the adjacent owners are protected.
If you have received a Party Wall Notice, you have a few options available to you:
Consent to the work: If you agree with the proposed building work and have no concerns, you can give your consent by signing and returning the notice to the building owner. This will allow the work to proceed without the need for further action.
Object to the work: If you have concerns about the proposed building work, you can object to it by notifying the building owner in writing within 14 days of receiving the notice. This will trigger a dispute resolution process, and the matter may need to be resolved by a surveyor or through the courts.
Appoint a surveyor: Under the Party Wall Act, you have the right to appoint your own surveyor to act on your behalf. The surveyor will help ensure that your rights as an adjacent owner are protected, and will help to resolve any disputes that may arise.
Do nothing: you have the option to do nothing as well, but by doing so you will be considered to have given your consent to the proposed works.
It is worth noting that the building owner is responsible for the cost of the surveyors appointed by the adjacent owners if a dispute arises, but if the adjacent owner appoints their own surveyor without any cause for concern, they will be the one responsible for the costs of the surveyor appointed by themselves.
It’s advisable to seek legal or professional advice if you are not sure how to proceed, to avoid any risks or issues.
Who We Are
Icon Surveyors is a UK-based surveying firm that provides a wide range of professional services related to building and property surveying. They can help you with any concerns or issues you may have related to your neighbour’s building works. Some ways they may be able to assist you to include:
Party Wall Surveying: If your neighbour is planning building work that is going to affect a shared wall or boundary, they may be required to provide a Party Wall Agreement. An Icon Surveyors surveyor can help ensure that the building work is carried out in accordance with the Party Wall Act and that your rights as an adjacent owner are protected.
Boundary Disputes: If you have a dispute with your neighbour over property boundaries, Icon Surveyors can provide expert advice and guidance on how to resolve the issue. This may include providing a report on the location of the boundary, determining the ownership of the disputed land, or acting as an expert witness in court.
Building Surveys: Icon Surveyors can conduct a detailed inspection of your neighbour’s building works, including an assessment of the structural integrity, safety and quality of the work. This can help you understand the impact of the building works on your property and provide evidence of any issues that need to be addressed.
Planning and Building Regulations: If your neighbour’s building works are not in compliance with planning or building regulations, Icon Surveyors can provide advice on how to address the issues.
Icon Surveyors are happy to provide a free consultation to any building or adjoining owners who may be affected by the subject matter raised in this blog.
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