Frequently asked questions
Party Wall disputes
A party wall is a wall which divides two separate owner’s properties, built on the line of junction. This might be a wall dividing semi-detached and terraced houses, or a wall held in common (i.e both owners have equally measured ownership of a wall) between the owners on either side, or it could be a structure in the garden.
Alterations to a shared wall;
The construction of new walls which straddle the boundary;
Excavation work close to neighbouring properties.
Any adjoining neighbour served with a Party Wall Act notice will have fourteen days to respond, either agreeing to the works in writing, serving a counter notice requesting additional works, or refusing consent. If no response is received then it will be deemed to be disputed.
If agreement between the two parties cannot be reached this begins the dispute resolution process. This will require you to appoint a surveyor to act on your behalf to determine a Party Wall Award. Depending on whether or not your neighbour has responded, you may be able to agree the appointment of a joint surveyor. Otherwise each party will have a surveyor to act on their behalf.
The appointed surveyors will draw up a Party Wall Award.
The Party Wall Award is a legal document which says: What works should and can happen. How and when it will be carried out, including a schedule of proposed works. Who will pay for which part and how much will be paid (including surveyor’s fees).
Lodders Solicitors has a dedicated property dispute resolution team with decades of experience in all matters relating to party walls. Our expert party wall solicitors can help to resolve your party wall dispute – and we can also provide proactive legal advice to help you prevent disputes from occurring.
After you get in touch with us, you will receive a free, no obligation consultation meeting where we discuss your matter with you.
Extremely commercial and fast, and particularly good when things get urgent.
Chambers and Partners
Talk to our property dispute specialists
After you get in touch with us, you will receive a free, no obligation consultation meeting where we discuss your matter with you.
TALK TO LODDERS’ LEGAL EXPERTS
Primary contacts
Our Property Dispute Resolution team is lead by Vicky Khandker, our expert party wall solicitors can help to resolve your party wall dispute – and we can also provide proactive legal advice to help you prevent disputes from occurring.
Let us know how we can help you today.
