THE PARTY WALL PROCESS - In brief

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Step 1. ASSESS THE WORK

• Review the drawings and conduct additional desk research as required - Google Maps/Earth/Street View/Photos. 
• For complicated work, an on site assessment may be required.
• Assess which work is notifiable to which neighbour.

Step 2. IDENTIFY ADJOINING OWNERS

• Use Land Registry searches to identify the ownership of neighbouring properties.
• Some properties have a freeholder and multiple leaseholders.
• Ensure notices are served only on the intended neighbouring owners.

​Step 3. SERVE NOTICE

• Prepare and serve notice(s) to adjoining owners.
• Include a suitable set of drawings.
• Follow the methods listed in the Act to avoid errors. 
• Always post and keep a certificate of postage.

Step 4. NEIGHBOUR RESPONSE

The next steps depend on each neighbour's response to the Notice. They can either CONSENT, DISSENT or NOT RESPOND.

If a neighbour consents:

• ​Offer a condition record.
• Where permitted/requested, record the condition of their property before starting work.
• Subject to notice periods having expired or having been waived, work can proceed.​

If a neighbour dissents:

• ​An award will be made by the surveyor(s) to set out rights and responsibilities.​
• This will include a site visit to assess site circumstances and take an external condition record.
• An internal condition record will also be taken where access is readily granted.

Step 5. APPOINTING SURVEYORS

• Neighbours can agree on one surveyor (e.g., us) or appoint a second surveyor.
• Surveyor(s) visit the adjoining property to assess impact and record condition.
• An award will be made  by the surveyor(s), allowing work to proceed subject to the conditions set therein
• Once notice periods have expired or have been waived, work can proceed.

If no response from neighbours:

• Chase the neighbour after 14 days with a ‘10 day’ letter.
• Work out deemed service date - Take weekends and Bank Holidays into account.
• After the 10 day letter expires without response (on the 11th day counting the deemed service date as day one), a surveyor can be appointed on their behalf to make an award, allowing work to proceed.
• The neighbour should be advised of their appointment and provided details of the third surveyor.
• There should be a final request for access to record an Internal condition record. 

• A party wall award can be made, to allow work to proceed, whether access is given or not. 
• Subject to notice periods having expired or having been waived, work can proceed.

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