Party wall matters

Building work affecting a shared wall or boundary, and the notices the law requires.

How we can help

Advising whether the Party Wall etc. Act applies to the proposed work
Drafting and serving the notices the Act requires
Acting where a neighbour has begun work without serving notice
Advising on party wall awards and appointing surveyors
Pursuing claims for damage caused by neighbouring works
Appealing awards where the process has gone wrong

Your solicitor

Dean Smith

Dean SmithSolicitor

What happens next

Tell us what work is planned or has started, and send any notices received.
We advise on whether the Act applies and what must be served on whom.
We deal with notices, surveyors and any dispute that arises.

Fees for this work

Fixed fee for notices and initial advice. Disputes are charged hourly.

Common questions

My neighbour started work without telling me.

Beginning notifiable works without serving notice is a breach, and you may be able to obtain an injunction to stop the work until the proper process is followed. Act quickly — this remedy becomes harder once work is advanced.

Do I have to agree to my neighbour's plans?

You can consent, or dissent and have surveyors appointed to produce an award. Dissenting is not obstruction — it triggers the protective process the Act provides.

Who pays for the surveyors?

Usually the party doing the work, though the award can allocate costs differently. This surprises people and is worth understanding before you dissent.

My property has been damaged by next door's building work.

The award should provide for making good. Where it does not, or where the work was never notified, ordinary claims in negligence and nuisance remain available.

Tell us what's happened

Confidential, reviewed by a solicitor, answered within one working day.