The usual path
-
1
Do you even need one?
A party wall agreement is usually needed if your loft conversion affects a shared wall — for example, inserting steel beams or altering a shared chimney. It’s most common in terraced and semi-detached homes. We’ll tell you at your free survey whether yours applies.
-
2
Serve notice to your neighbour
Written notice is served on the affected neighbour(s). For work to an existing party wall, this is served up to two months before work starts.
-
3
Your neighbour responds
This is the fork in the road.
If a dispute arises
-
4
Appoint a surveyor
Often both sides agree on a single “agreed surveyor,” which is quicker and cheaper than one each.
-
5
The Party Wall Award
The surveyor prepares a Party Wall Award — a document recording the condition of the neighbour’s property and how the work will be carried out. Work can begin once it’s agreed.
-
6
Work begins
With the agreement in place, your loft conversion goes ahead — with your neighbour’s interests recorded and protected.
This is general guidance, not legal advice — your party wall surveyor will confirm what applies to your project. The party wall process is separate from planning permission.
