Party Wall Surveyor in South London | Party Wall Advice | RICS

In South London and the surrounding South East London area, party wall surveyors play a crucial role in helping property owners navigate the complexities of the Party Wall Act 1996. These Chartered Surveyors can provide essential party wall advice and professional services to ensure that proposed construction work on party walls, party structures, or excavation within 3 meters of a shared wall complies with the legal requirements.

Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, you must notify adjoining owners of certain proposed works to and in the vicinity of party walls. A RICS Chartered Surveyor can prepare all the required documents with pinpoint accuracy, removing a bureaucratic nightmare from your to-do list.

Services for Common projects that require party wall matters:

• Rear and Side Extensions
• Loft Conversions
• Basement Extensions
• New builds and refurbishments
• Wall Removals
• Internal Alterations
• Subsidence and Underpinning

Our RICS Chartered Surveyors can work for you, the adjoining owner or both parties as the agreed surveyor. Get in touch for more information on why hiring surveyors for party wall matters is a necessity.

A Party Wall Award is a legally binding document prepared by a party wall surveyor, which sets out the rights and obligations of both the building owner and the adjoining owner regarding construction work on a shared wall, party structure, or excavation near the boundary. The award typically outlines the details of the proposed work, any necessary precautions to protect the adjoining property, the schedule of conditions, access arrangements, and procedures for resolving disputes or addressing potential damage. By establishing a clear framework for the proposed work, a party wall award ensures that both parties interests are protected and that the construction proceeds in compliance with the Party Wall Act 1996.

Extensions and alterations can increase a property’s value and aesthetic appeal, but works to and around the party walls may require you to notify adjoining owners while complying with the law. Conflicts, delays and mistakes are far from uncommon during party wall matters, costing thousands of pounds, but our RICS Chartered Surveyors can remove many obstacles from the process.

If your neighbour serves a party wall notice in accordance with the Party Wall Act 1996, it's essential to understand your rights and obligations as an adjoining owner. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

1. Review the notice: Carefully read the party wall notice to understand the proposed works and how they might affect your property. The notice should include detailed information about the work, along with the intended start date.

2. Seek professional advice: If you are unsure about any aspect of the notice or the proposed works, consult a party wall surveyor or a solicitor specializing in party wall matters for professional advice. They can help clarify your rights and obligations under the Party Wall Act 1996 and guide you on the appropriate course of action.

3. Respond to the notice: You have 14 days to respond to the party wall notice. You can either consent to the proposed works or dissent and request the appointment of a party wall surveyor. If you do not respond within the 14 days, it is deemed that you have dissented, and a party wall surveyor will need to be appointed.

4. Appoint a party wall surveyor: If you dissent, you can appoint your party wall surveyor or agree with the building owner to appoint an agreed surveyor. The surveyor's role is to act impartially and ensure that the interests of both parties are protected. They will prepare a party wall award, a legally binding document that sets out the rights and obligations of both parties concerning the proposed works.

5. Schedule of conditions: Before the works begin, it's a good idea to have a schedule of conditions prepared by the appointed surveyor. This document records the existing condition of your property and can be used as evidence if any damage occurs as a result of the proposed works.

6. Review the party wall award: The surveyor will create a party wall award outlining the terms and conditions of the proposed works, along with any necessary precautions to minimize potential damage to your property. Review the award carefully and seek professional advice if needed.

7. Monitor the works: Keep an eye on the construction work as it progresses, and notify the surveyor or your neighbour immediately if you notice any damage or deviations from the agreed-upon terms in the party wall award.

8. Completion and resolution: Once the works are completed, the party wall surveyor may inspect your property to ensure that any potential issues or damages have been addressed. If any disputes arise during or after the works, the party wall surveyor can help to resolve them.

The Party Wall Act is a UK law enacted in 1996 to regulate construction work on shared walls, party structures, and excavation near property boundaries. Its primary purpose is to protect the interests of both the building owner, who intends to carry out the work, and the adjoining owner, who might be affected by the proposed construction. The Act requires the building owner to serve a party wall notice informing the adjoining owner of the intended work, allowing the latter to either consent or dissent. In case of dissent, a party wall surveyor is appointed to establish a party wall award, which outlines the rights and obligations of both parties. By providing a clear legal framework, the Party Wall Act ensures that construction work proceeds fairly and transparently, preventing disputes and protecting both parties' property rights.

• Schedule of Condition
• Right to Alter
• Expert Witness
• Dilapidations
• Boundary Disputes
• Structural Engineer