Carrying out building works in Kensington or South Kensington? 🏗️
Whether you’re converting a loft, extending your home, or digging out a basement, you may need to comply with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

This law protects both you and your neighbours by setting out clear rules for any works near shared walls or boundaries. At Harding Chartered Surveyors, our Party Wall Surveyors in Kensington provide expert, impartial advice to help you stay compliant, avoid disputes, and keep your project on track.

📘 To explore the full process, visit Party Wall Surveying Services

Understanding the Party Wall Act 1996


The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies to many types of home improvement work in Kensington and South Kensington, including:

🏠 Rear or side extensions
🏗️ Loft conversions requiring steel beams in shared walls
🧱 Basement excavations or underpinning near neighbouring foundations
🌳 New boundary or garden walls
🔥 Chimney breast removals and damp-proofing

If your project might affect a wall, floor or structure shared with another property, you’re legally required to serve a Party Wall Notice before starting work.

For more detail, check the RICS Party Walls Glossary

.

🏡 Why Appoint a Party Wall Surveyor in Kensington?


Kensington’s housing stock is among the most characterful in London — filled with Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian buildings that often share structural walls. In these tightly packed streets, even modest renovations can have an impact on neighbouring properties.

By choosing a local specialist who understands Kensington’s unique architecture, soil conditions and planning expectations, you’ll save time, reduce risk, and protect relationships with your neighbours.

Our surveyors have handled everything from delicate basement excavations near Queen’s Gate to loft conversions off Old Brompton Road, ensuring every project remains compliant and stress-free.


🧭 What Does a Party Wall Surveyor Do?


A Party Wall Surveyor acts as an impartial expert under the Act. Their role is to ensure both the building owner and the adjoining owner are treated fairly and that the work proceeds safely and lawfully.

At Harding Chartered Surveyors, our team in Kensington:

📋 Determines whether your works fall within the Act
✉️ Prepares and serves valid Party Wall Notices
🪞 Carries out detailed Schedules of Condition with photo records
🧾 Drafts and agrees the formal Party Wall Award
🤝 Provides ongoing advice and resolves disputes as needed

We regularly work on properties in Kensington, South Kensington, Earl’s Court, and Notting Hill, from elegant Victorian terraces to luxury apartment blocks.


📞 Get a Party Wall Quote in Kensington


If you’re planning building works in Kensington or South West London, speak to Harding Chartered Surveyors for trusted, impartial advice. We’ll confirm whether the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies, serve the required notices, and handle the process efficiently from start to finish.


Party Wall Surveyor in Kensington, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Party wall surveyors can provide expert advice and guidance for a variety of construction projects, including commercial property renovations and loft conversions. By involving a surveyor early in the planning process, you can avoid potential disputes and ensure your project complies with the Party Wall Act 1996

Party Wall Surveyor in Kensington, Harding Chartered Surveyors

💼 Benefits of Working with Harding Chartered Surveyors


While the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 doesn’t require surveyors to be RICS members, appointing a RICS-registered practice such as Harding ensures your matter is managed to the highest standards of accuracy and professionalism.

Experienced local specialists familiar with Kensington and South Kensington
Accurate, legally compliant notices prepared promptly
Impartial, independent advice protecting all parties
Transparent fixed-fee pricing – no hidden extras
Clear communication at every stage

We can act as the building owner’s surveyor, the adjoining owner’s surveyor, or as an Agreed Surveyor for both parties.


🔍 The Party Wall Process – Step by Step


1️⃣ Initial Consultation – We assess your plans and confirm if the Act applies.
2️⃣ Serving Notices – Legally valid notices are issued to all relevant neighbours.
3️⃣ Neighbour’s Response – They may consent, dissent, or appoint their own surveyor.
4️⃣ Schedule of Condition – We record the neighbouring property’s current condition.
5️⃣ Party Wall Award – Sets out working hours, safeguards, and responsibilities.
6️⃣ Post-Work Inspection – We verify the property’s condition once work is complete.

This transparent process ensures compliance and protects you from potential disputes or claims.


🧱 Other Professional Services in Kensington


Alongside Party Wall matters, we also provide:

  • 🧾 Schedule of Condition Reports

  • 🏢 Right to Alter / Licence to Alter

  • ⚖️ Expert Witness Reports

  • 🏚️ Dilapidations and Leasehold Advice

  • 💷 Boundary Matters

These services give property owners, landlords and developers one reliable point of contact for all surveying needs.

Recent Reviews from Harding Chartered Surveyors

Party Wall Surveyor in Kensington, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Excellent
Harding Chartered Surveyors4.6
Based on 150 reviews
I had a survey carried out by Alaa Ali on my commercial premises.
I must say that in the 30 years of dealing with surveyors I have never had such a responsive , helpful and knowledgeable surveyor.
I am in the property industry and have dealt with numerous surveyors over the years, in most cases you are provided with a report and nothing else. Alaa Ali from Hardings has gone over and above in supporting us in making the correct decision with our structural issues. I highly recommend this company. They are streets ahead of anyone else . I would never look anywhere else if I needed their services in the future.
Jessica Togood was excellent. A friendly and efficient service.
Really lovely customer service, quick and efficient
Guy was helpful in explaining the survey and findings over the phone.
A very efficient and professional. Communication was excellent and the whole process from booking to the report was around 3 weeks. Good value for money. I would recommend without hesitation.
I requested a structural survey couple of years ago due to hairline cracks appearing in my walls.
The report was thorough, advising me that neighbouring trees need to be dealt with.
April 2025 I am in the process of getting the repairs done. The surveyor Alaa Ali has been very helpful assisting and advising my builder in the work that needs to be undertaken to rectify the not so hairline cracks in my Edwardian flat.
The process is not cheap, but it provides a peace of mind to the structural state of my property.
Valuation of property for selling purposes, Harding were quick and efficient, and the survey provides peace of mind that a professional surveyor carried out a proper valuation according to the RICS valuation standards. Estate agents are not necessarily qualified, surveyor always are
Jessica was very pleasant, helpful and produced our report in the timeline she predicted.
prompt service and a thorough survey report
Very efficient in their service, and prompt when responding to any queries.
Just want to say that Alaa has been a fantastic help to us, particularly following on from the survey itself - helping us to understand the work needed and interpret the quotes we have received to make sure they match our needs. Thank you!
Very good service, Kate kept us up to date and well informed.
Very happy with the comprehensive survey report completed by Charlie.
Would use this company again. Thank you
They exceeded my expectations. Responded promptly with a competitive quote for their services. Took time for proper appraisal of the work involved, then produced an impressive, professional report, in the timescale anticipated.

Thoroughly recommended!
One of your surveyors, Alaa Ali, completed an expert report for us, which was needed for a complex legal case, and did a really excellent job. He found the cause of the problem, which had been eluding us through a number of investigations, and was extremely thorough, knowledgeable and professional throughout. I'd recommend him to anyone.
I recently used Harding Chartered Surveyors for a snagging report on a new build and the service received was excellent throughout. The report was extremely thorough and professional. Highly recommended.

💼 Benefits of Working with Harding Chartered Surveyors


While the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 doesn’t require surveyors to be RICS members, appointing a RICS-registered practice such as Harding ensures your matter is managed to the highest standards of accuracy and professionalism.

Experienced local specialists familiar with Kensington and South Kensington
Accurate, legally compliant notices prepared promptly
Impartial, independent advice protecting all parties
Transparent fixed-fee pricing – no hidden extras
Clear communication at every stage

We can act as the building owner’s surveyor, the adjoining owner’s surveyor, or as an Agreed Surveyor for both parties.