Party wall matters sound complicated, but most questions have a clear answer. These party wall guides explain the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 in plain English, for homeowners planning works and for neighbours who have received a notice.
Each one is written from direct experience, not secondary research. LENIO is a specialist practice led by a Chartered Civil Engineer specialising in London party wall work. Start with the question closest to your situation.
New to the subject? These four guides cover the questions almost everyone asks first.
Not sure whether your project needs a Party Wall Notice? This guide sets out exactly which works are notifiable, how proximity to the boundary matters, and what to do if you are uncertain.
Explore The Guide →Party wall notice vs award: what is the difference? We explain what each one is, when each applies, and how a notice can lead to an Award, so you know which applies to you.
Explore The Guide →How long does the party wall process take? See the timeline stage by stage, what makes it longer or shorter, and how serving notice early keeps your project on schedule.
Explore The Guide →What does a party wall surveyor cost in London? This guide gives typical fee ranges for notices and Awards, explains who pays, and shows how to keep your party wall costs down.
Explore The Guide →Lofts, extensions and basements each trigger the Act in their own way. Pick your project.
Most London loft conversions need a Party Wall Notice. Find out which works trigger the Act, which notice you need, how the notice periods work, and what happens once it is served.
Explore The Guide →Planning a rear or side extension? Learn when a party wall notice for extension works is required, how the 3 metre and 6 metre excavation rules apply, and which notices your project needs.
Explore The Guide →Basements are the most party-wall-intensive projects in London. Understand the 3 metre and 6 metre excavation rules, which notices a basement needs, and the extra protections a basement Award includes.
Explore The Guide →How does the Party Wall Act apply to a loft conversion? This guide explains the law in plain English: which sections apply, your duties and your neighbour’s rights, and the common myths.
Explore The Guide →For when the process meets real life: responses, disagreements and protecting both properties.
If your neighbour dissents to a party wall notice, your project is not blocked. This guide explains the surveyor route, the Party Wall Award, and how long a dissent adds to your timeline.
Explore The Guide →A Schedule of Condition records your neighbour’s property before works begin. Learn what it includes, when you need one, what it costs, and how it protects both sides if damage is alleged.
Explore The Guide →Agreed surveyor vs two surveyors: which route is right for you? Compare the cost, speed and representation of each, and find out how to choose the option that fits your situation.
Explore The Guide →Has your neighbour started work without a party wall notice? You have clear rights. Learn what it means, the steps to take, when an injunction applies, and how to put the process right.
Explore The Guide →If you want the Party Wall Act explained from start to finish, begin with the first guide and work down. If your question is urgent, skip the reading and call us instead.
LENIO Party Wall Surveyors provides free initial party wall advice to London homeowners on both sides of the wall. Call or send your details and a chartered surveyor will answer your specific situation.
LENIO Party Wall Surveyors is a specialist practice across London, led by a Chartered Civil Engineer. Every guide in this library is written from that direct experience, not from secondary research.
LENIO specialises entirely in party wall matters: notices, Schedules of Condition, Awards and disputes, across every London borough.
Whether you are planning works or have received a notice, LENIO provides free initial advice before any commitment is made. A chartered surveyor answers every enquiry personally.
