What the notice actually means
A Party Wall notice is your neighbour's formal notification that they intend to carry out works covered by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Receiving one is not the same as the works starting — the Act gives you a fourteen-day window to consider what's proposed and to choose how to respond.
Your three options
Option 1 — Consent in writing
If you are happy with what is proposed, you can simply write back saying you consent to the works. This ends the Party Wall process for that notice; no surveyor is needed and no fees are incurred. Consent is appropriate when the works are minor, you trust your neighbour's contractor, and you are not worried about damage or disruption.
Option 2 — Dissent and appoint your own surveyor
If you have any concerns at all — about damage, access, working hours, scope, or simply because the works are significant — you can dissent. A "dispute" arises under Section 10 of the Act. You and your neighbour each appoint a surveyor (or jointly appoint a single Agreed Surveyor). The surveyors then produce a Party Wall Award which sets out exactly how the works will proceed, what protections apply, and what happens if anything goes wrong. The building owner pays your reasonable surveyor fees — not you.
Option 3 — Dissent and agree a single Agreed Surveyor
Both owners can jointly appoint a single independent surveyor to act impartially for both sides. This is usually faster and cheaper than two surveyors and works well when the works are conventional and relations are reasonable. The Agreed Surveyor has a statutory duty to act fairly for both parties.
What happens if you don't respond?
If fourteen days pass without a response, you are deemed to have dissented. After a further ten-day grace period, your neighbour may appoint a surveyor on your behalf under Section 10(4)(b). This is a real outcome to avoid — it means you lose the chance to pick your own surveyor.
Who pays for surveyors?
Under Section 10(13), the building owner (your neighbour) pays the reasonable fees of both surveyors — yours and theirs. You do not pay anything for choosing to dissent and appoint a surveyor. If you would like a free recommendation, our surveyor directory covers most of England and Wales by postcode.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay anything if I receive a Party Wall notice?
No. As the adjoining owner you do not pay for the building owner's notice. If a dispute arises and surveyors are appointed under Section 10, the building owner pays the reasonable fees of both surveyors — including yours.
Can I stop my neighbour's building work?
In most cases, no. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is designed to allow works to proceed while protecting the adjoining owner's property and giving you a structured route to compensation if anything goes wrong. You can dissent and appoint a surveyor, which means a Party Wall Award will set out exactly how the works are to be carried out — but you cannot generally veto the works themselves.
What if I ignore the notice?
If you do not respond within fourteen days, the Act treats your silence as deemed dissent. The building owner can then appoint a surveyor on your behalf under Section 10(4)(b) — meaning you lose the chance to choose your own surveyor. It is almost always better to respond.
Should I consent or dissent?
If the works are minor and you have no concerns, consenting is quick and avoids surveyor fees. If you have concerns about damage, vibration, access or scope, dissenting and having a surveyor produce a Party Wall Award gives you formal protection — and the building owner pays the surveyor fees.