Your three ways to reply to a party wall notice

Option 1: consent

You agree in writing to the work. No surveyors are appointed and no award is made.

Good for: small, low-risk work by a neighbour you trust, especially if a photographic record of your property's condition is taken first.

Watch out for: if damage happens later, you have no award setting out how it will be put right, and proving what was there before is harder. See consenting safely.

Option 2: dissent and appoint your own surveyor

You appoint a surveyor of your choosing to act for you. Your neighbour's surveyor and yours agree the award between them.

Good for: larger or riskier work, such as basements, deep foundations close by or major work to an old party wall, or where trust between neighbours is low.

Watch out for: two surveyors mean two sets of fees, usually paid by your neighbour, and a little more time.

Option 3: dissent and agree to one surveyor for both

You and your neighbour appoint the same surveyor, called the agreed surveyor. They act impartially between you and make the award.

Good for: most domestic projects, such as loft conversions and typical extensions, where both sides want things done properly without extra cost.

Watch out for: the surveyor is usually suggested by the neighbour doing the work. They must act impartially, but you are entitled to choose your own surveyor if you prefer.

How to reply

Reply in writing within 14 days of the notice being served. Most notices come with a reply form; tick the option you want and sign it. If yours did not, our free reply form builds a letter for you. If you are appointing your own surveyor, name them in the reply or let them answer for you.