This page provides general practical guidance and does not replace project-specific legal, engineering, planning, ecological, asbestos or waste advice.
The short answer
If proposed demolition or structural work affects a shared wall, boundary or neighbouring structure, check the party wall position early. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 sets out when notice must be served on adjoining owners and what the process involves. Where notice is required, the adjoining owner may give written consent in writing. Written consent removes the need to appoint surveyors, but the applicable notice period still needs to expire unless an earlier start date is agreed in writing by both parties. Other necessary approvals remain separate and are not affected by party wall consent. For party-structure notices and adjacent-excavation notices, if the adjoining owner does not respond within 14 days or does not consent, a dispute is deemed to have arisen and the dispute-resolution process applies — failure to respond must not be treated as consent. This 14-day rule applies to those notice types; line-of-junction notices follow a different process. Surveyor appointments are required through the dispute process, not in every case where the Act applies. Do not assume that every project follows the same process — the requirement depends on the specific work and property relationship.
Why it matters
Neighbouring structures and retained walls can influence the scope, sequence, protection measures and timing of work. Discovering a party wall obligation after the programme has been fixed can cause delays and additional cost. Early advice allows the notice process to run in parallel with other project preparation.
Information that may be needed
Drawings, structural information, photographs of existing conditions and details of the proposed work may be useful when seeking advice. A schedule of condition of the adjoining property is often prepared before work begins.
What can affect the scope
The relationship between the properties, the work proposed, retained structures and the condition of adjoining elements can all matter. The Act covers work on or near a party wall, work on a boundary line, and excavation near a neighbouring building.
When specialist input may be needed
A party wall surveyor is required through the dispute process where the Act applies and written consent has not been given. Professional advice is sensible where the position is unclear. A structural engineer may also be needed where retained structures or foundations are affected.