Good neighbours, properly protected.

Party wall notices, schedules of condition and awards under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 — handled clearly so your project starts on time and relationships stay intact.

Discuss your notice ↗

Boundary between two London terraced houses where party wall notices apply

Party wall advice

Most disputes start with a missing notice.

In London's terraces and semis, almost any excavation or work to a shared wall engages the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Serving the right notice at the right time protects you from injunctions and delay, and gives your neighbour a fair record of their property before work begins.

Notifiable work check

We review your drawings and confirm which sections of the Act apply and who must be notified.

Notices & consent

Notices are served correctly with the right supporting information, then consent or dissent is managed.

Schedule & award

A schedule of condition is recorded and an award agreed setting out how the work proceeds.

A finished Simplicity Designs project in London

“A well-served notice keeps your project moving and your neighbours on side.”
Hakki HassanFounder & Principal Designer

When do you need to serve a party wall notice?

Notice is usually required when you cut into or alter a shared wall, remove a chimney breast on it, build up to or astride the boundary, or excavate within three metres of a neighbouring structure and below its foundation level — and within six metres in certain deeper cases. Loft conversions, rear extensions and basements almost always qualify.

What happens if a neighbour dissents?

Dissent is not a refusal. It simply means surveyors are appointed to agree a party wall award: a document recording the condition of the neighbouring property, the working hours, access arrangements and how any damage would be resolved. Once the award is served, the notified work can proceed.

Advice for adjoining owners

If a neighbour has served notice on you, we can explain what is proposed, review the structural implications and make sure the condition of your property is documented before anything starts.

Joined-up with your design and structure

Because the same team prepares your drawings and structural calculations, the excavation depths and beam positions that trigger notices are known early — so notices go out in step with the build programme instead of holding it up.

See structural engineering services →