If you’ve been watching Channel 5’s gripping drama The Feud, you’ll know just how quickly a simple neighbourly disagreement can spiral into something much darker. What starts as a dispute over a shared boundary and property changes turns into a full-blown feud—complete with emotional distress, legal threats, and even murder.
As dramatic as it sounds, the underlying issues in The Feud are surprisingly common in real life. The good news? Much of the chaos could have been avoided with one crucial step: appointing a qualified Party Wall Surveyor.
What Went Wrong in The Feud?
Without giving away too many spoilers, The Feud shows how badly things can go when property owners make changes near or on shared structures—without following the legal process. The show is full of miscommunication, assumptions, and neighbourly tensions that escalate rapidly.
But here’s the reality: if a party wall surveyor had been involved from the beginning, most of the conflict could have been prevented.
What Does a Party Wall Surveyor Actually Do?
A party wall surveyor is a legal expert in resolving and managing disputes between neighbours when building work is proposed on or near shared walls, boundaries, or structures. Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, homeowners must serve proper notice to their neighbours before starting any notifiable works.
Whether it’s a rear extension, loft conversion, basement excavation, or structural alterations near a boundary, a Party Wall Surveyor ensures:
1. The correct legal notices are served
2. Both parties’ properties are protected
3. Disputes are resolved professionally and impartially
4. A formal Party Wall Award is created, setting out the work, access rights, and safeguards
In other words, a Party Wall Surveyor brings structure, clarity, and peace of mind—saving both sides from conflict and costly mistakes.
What The Feud Teaches Us About Property Disputes
The drama in The Feud is rooted in a lack of communication, trust, and professional guidance. It’s a perfect example of what can happen when neighbours take matters into their own hands instead of relying on legal expertise.
Had a Party Wall Surveyor been appointed, there would’ve been an agreed framework, clear boundaries, and a neutral expert to keep emotions in check. No courtroom drama. No sleepless nights. And certainly, no life-or-death consequences.
Don’t Let a Building Project Become a Feud!
While The Feud is fictional, the legal duties it touches on are very real. And so are the consequences of ignoring them. Appointing a reliable Party Wall Surveyor early in the process is the smartest way to protect your home, your investment—and your relationship with your neighbours.
Whether you’re planning work on your property or you’ve just received a Party Wall Notice from someone else, get in touch with an experienced party wall surveyor who can guide you through the process from start to finish.
________________________________________
Need a trusted party wall surveyor?
We’re here to help. With expert advice, clear communication, and years of experience, we’ll make sure your project stays smooth, legal, and neighbour-friendly.
Contact us today for a free consultation—because real life doesn’t need to end like The Feud.