What is the Party Wall etc. Act 1996?

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 provides a framework for preventing and resolving disputes in relation to party walls, boundary walls and excavations near neighbouring buildings. It requires building owners to notify adjoining owners before carrying out certain types of work.

Do you act for both sides?

As an Agreed Surveyor we can act for both the building owner and the adjoining owner, provided both parties consent. Where one party has concerns about impartiality, we will act solely for the appointing party and a separate surveyor will be appointed by the other side.

How long does the Party Wall process take?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the works and whether the adjoining owner consents or dissents. In straightforward cases the process can be completed in a few weeks. Where a Party Wall Award is required, it typically takes 6–8 weeks, though this can vary.

Party Wall Surveyor London | Notices, Awards & Advice

Party Wall and Professional Advice

A Party Wall Surveyor performs a specialist role in resolving disputes between neighbours under the Party Wall etc Act 1996.

The Role of the Party Wall Surveyors

Our Party Wall Surveyors assess the building work details, review any objections from adjoining owners, and prepare a legally binding Party Wall Award. This document sets out how and when the work will proceed, includes any necessary conditions, and ensures the award is fit for purpose and compliant with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

The Agreed Party Wall Surveyor

This process involves the building owner and the adjoining owner agreeing to appoint the same Party Wall Surveyor to facilitate the Party Wall Award.

Notice Preparation & Service

We advise on, prepare, draft, review and serve the necessary notice(s) to comply with the Party Wall etc. Act.

Schedule of Condition

We document the condition of the adjoining owner's property prior to work commencing.

Site Access & Inspection

Arranging access and attending the site to assess the specific circumstances involved. For property assessments and inspections, we also offer RICS Level 1 to 3 Surveys.

Notice Accuracy

Serving accurate, legally compliant notices is essential. We ensure all notices meet the required standards to avoid any invalidation.

Impartiality

Once appointed under the Act, our surveyor must remain unbiased and ensure fair outcomes for both parties.

Equitable Party Wall Award

Our surveyor negotiates with the adjoining owner to create a fair and balanced party wall award.

Issuing the Award

We draft, finalise and serve the Party Wall Award to both parties.

Additional Awards (if needed)

In some cases, further awards may be required as the project progresses.

Property Inspection

A thorough examination of the adjoining property ensures we understand the potential impact of the project and verify the accuracy of the plans. This step is key to creating a detailed schedule of condition to help identify any potential future damage.

The Party Wall Award

With all necessary information, we draft the Party Wall Award, detailing each owner's responsibilities, work guidelines, access provisions and damage protocols. Rest assured; we address all concerns meticulously to safeguard your interests.

The Single-Appointed Party Wall Surveyor

This option is typically chosen when either the building owner or the adjoining owner wishes to produce an award without sharing a surveyor, often due to concerns about impartiality. In such cases, our surveyors will represent either the building owner or the adjoining owner.

For example, if a building owner appoints us, we will issue a notice to the adjoining owner. If the adjoining owner responds by dissenting and chooses to appoint their own surveyor, we will wait for their surveyor to send us their appointment letter.

Once we receive this letter, both appointed surveyors will select a third surveyor to form a tribunal. The third surveyor is only engaged if there is a disagreement or dispute between the two primary surveyors that requires resolution.

The role of the surveyors involves collaborating to achieve the award, which includes consultations, site visits, preparing a schedule of condition and finally drafting the award (commonly misnamed as the party wall agreement).

The Role of the Third Surveyor

In Case of Disagreements: Should a stalemate occur between the two primary Party Wall Surveyors, the Third Surveyor will intervene. Acting as a neutral mediator, this surveyor facilitates the
resolution of disputes, ensuring a seamless process for all parties involved.

Create Your Party Wall
Notice for Free

Creating a Party Wall Notice is a crucial step when planning construction or renovation projects that might affect shared walls with neighbouring properties. Our platform simplifies this process by offering you the opportunity to generate your Party Wall Notice for free.

With just a few clicks, you can draft a Party Wall Notice, ensuring that your project adheres to all necessary regulations and maintains positive relations with your neighbours. Don’t wait; start the process now to protect your interests and facilitate a smooth construction journey.

Free Party Wall Tool

Frequently asked questions

Here are answers to the most common questions about Party Wall and boundary services.