Party walls and boundaries

If a chimney breast has been removed from a party wall, does the survey say what remains on the neighbour’s side?

Only if it actually knows, which a survey of this house usually does not, because the inspection did not go next door. A bracket or a beam on this side is a description of this side, not a view of the neighbour’s breast, not an award, and not proof that notice was served. The Act GOV.UK describes applies in England and Wales, not in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Written for buyers in England and Wales unless this answer says otherwise. No named surveyor has signed this page. It is general guidance, not a report on your house, and not legal advice.

What is the fuller explanation?

Removing a breast from a shared wall is work that can fall under the party-wall procedure in England and Wales, and it is also a structure question on the floor you are buying. The survey should say whether it saw a beam, a bracket, packing, or only a flat patch of plaster. It should not claim the neighbour still has their breast, or that they do not, unless there is evidence in this report. There usually is not.

Your solicitor asks about papers. A builder, if you need one, looks at the support that is visible on this side. Do not confuse those jobs with an award. Planning permission does not replace the Act. The survey does not charge an award fee and does not make one. If the stack above the roof is shared, say what could be seen of the stack, and still do not pretend the neighbour’s room was inspected.

What should you ask your surveyor?

What support, if any, did you see on this side?
Did you inspect the neighbour’s room as well as this one?
Are you making an award or only noting the opening?

What are the typical next steps?

Tell the solicitor the breast has gone and ask what papers exist.
Ask a structural person about the support on this side if the survey could not see one.
Do not apply the English and Welsh Act outside England and Wales.

Costs vary with the building and with who you instruct. Where this page does not cite a published figure, ask the surveyor, a relevant specialist, or your solicitor for a written quote. Do not treat a forum average as the price.

Also asked about this

Does a gallows bracket on this side prove the neighbour agreed?

No. A bracket is a piece of metal or timber. It is not notice and not a view of next door.

Is the stack above the roof the same question?

It is related, but it is what you can see outside. It still does not show the neighbour’s room.