Get a Quote from RICS-Qualified Party Wall Surveyors
RICS-qualified surveyors acting for building owners and adjoining owners under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, with notices, schedules of condition and awards handled correctly so works can start on time and neighbours stay protected.
We aim to respond the same day.
- RICS Regulated Firm since 2020
- 4.9 on Google and Trustist
- We aim to respond the same day
Party wall matters, handled properly
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 sets out the procedure a building owner must follow before certain works on or near a shared boundary. We act for building owners and adjoining owners across Surrey, Kent, Sussex and London.
- Identify notifiable works and who may need to be notified (Land Registry and other appropriate ownership checks)
- Prepare and serve valid notices, or review a notice you have received
- Record a schedule of condition before works start
- Draft, negotiate and agree the party wall award, so works start on time and neighbours stay protected
How we can help
- Initial advice and identification of notifiable works
- Land Registry and other appropriate ownership checks
- Preparation and service of party wall notices
- Review of notices you have received as an adjoining owner
- Schedules of condition, written and photographic
- Drafting, negotiating and agreeing the party wall award
- Advice when notices are not served or works have started
- Dealing with disputes and access issues
Who we act for
- Building owners planning a loft conversion, extension, basement or structural work near a boundary
- Adjoining owners who have received a party wall notice and want to protect their property
- Owners whose neighbour has started notifiable works without serving notice
- Solicitors, architects and agents who need a party wall surveyor for their client
Party Wall Surveying explained
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01
Building owners
- We identify which parts of your project are notifiable under the Act
- We undertake Land Registry and other appropriate ownership checks to help identify the owners and interests that may need to be notified under the Act
- Notices prepared and served correctly first time, avoiding delay later
- Where a dispute arises, we act as your surveyor in agreeing the award
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02
Adjoining owners
- Rather than accept the works on trust, you can consent, or dissent and appoint a surveyor
- The building owner normally pays your surveyor’s reasonable fees
- We review the notice and drawings and record your property in a schedule of condition before works begin
- The award sets out how and when the works are done, and how damage is dealt with
- Works started without notice? We advise you on your options
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03
Notices, awards and schedules of condition
- Notice: the formal document that starts the process; it must contain specific information and be served on the right people to be valid
- Schedule of condition: a written and photographic record of the adjoining property before works start, protecting both sides
- Party wall award: the legally binding document agreed by the surveyors, setting out the works permitted, hours, access, protection, the schedule and who pays what
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Agreed surveyor or two surveyors?
- Where both owners are content, one agreed surveyor acts impartially in administering the Act for both owners, and does not act as an advocate for either, which is usually quicker and less expensive
- Where relations are strained or the works are complex, each owner appoints their own surveyor
- The two surveyors select a third surveyor in reserve
- Whichever route, a party wall surveyor’s duty is to the Act, not to the person who appointed them
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Damage and what the surveyors can decide
- Where damage is alleged to have resulted from works carried out in pursuance of the Act, the appointed surveyor(s) may determine matters falling within their statutory jurisdiction, including appropriate remedial works or compensation where applicable
- Their jurisdiction is limited to matters arising under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and does not extend to unrelated defects or disputes
- A schedule of condition taken before works start is what makes that determination possible
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Costs and who pays
- The building owner normally pays the reasonable fees of the surveyors on both sides
- Fees depend on the number of adjoining owners, the complexity of the works and how quickly matters are agreed
- We quote for each matter individually. Tell us about your project and we aim to respond the same day
Party Wall Surveying: your questions answered
Do I need a party wall agreement for a loft conversion or extension?
Usually, where the works involve a party wall or structure, building at or astride the boundary, or excavation close to a neighbouring building. Inserting steel beams into a party wall for a loft conversion, building an extension wall on or at the boundary, and excavating for foundations near a neighbour's building are all notifiable under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. If you are unsure, tell us about the project and we will confirm which parts, if any, need notice.
How much notice do I have to give my neighbour?
Two months before starting works to an existing party wall or building a new wall at the boundary, and one month before excavation near a neighbouring building. The adjoining owner then has 14 days to consent or dissent. Building the notice periods into your programme early avoids delaying the contractor later.
What happens if my neighbour ignores the notice?
If an adjoining owner does not reply within 14 days, a dispute is deemed to have arisen. The building owner then serves a further notice giving 10 days for them to appoint a surveyor; if they still do not, a surveyor can be appointed on their behalf so the process can move forward. Where a dispute has arisen under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, the relevant notifiable works should not commence until the statutory surveyor process has been completed and a Party Wall Award has been made and served.
Can we use one surveyor for both of us?
Yes. Where both owners agree, a single agreed surveyor acts impartially in administering the Act for both owners and does not act as an advocate for either, which is generally quicker and cheaper than two surveyors. The agreed surveyor's duty is to the Act rather than to the person who appointed them. Where relations are difficult or the works are complex, each side appointing their own surveyor is often the more comfortable route.
Who pays the party wall surveyors' fees?
The building owner (the person carrying out the works) normally pays the reasonable fees of the surveyor(s) on both sides, because the works are for their benefit. The award records what has been agreed on fees. Fees vary with the number of adjoining owners and the complexity of the works, so we quote for each matter individually.
When is excavation near my neighbour notifiable?
Excavation within 3 metres of a neighbouring building may be notifiable where the proposed excavation extends below the level of the neighbour's foundations. In some circumstances, excavation within 6 metres may also be notifiable, depending on the depth and position of the proposed foundations. Send us the drawings and we will tell you which notices, if any, are needed.
What is a schedule of condition and do I need one?
A schedule of condition is a written and photographic record of the adjoining property before works begin. It is strongly recommended in almost every case, because it protects the adjoining owner if damage occurs and protects the building owner against claims for defects that were already there.
What clients say
From clients across our surveying and building consultancy work.
4.9 from Google and Trustist reviews
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My experience with Huxley Surveyors more than met expectations. Mathew did our Level 3 pre-purchase survey of a flat in a Grade II listed property in Hove. His very extensive report was well presented, and upon receipt Mat proactively suggested a follow up phone call to clarify any points in the report and to answer any questions. All in all, a good experience. I can highly recommend Huxley Surveyors.
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The survey itself was exceptionally detailed and comprehensive, leaving no stone unturned. The report was clear, well-structured, and easy to understand, highlighting both major concerns and smaller issues that could have easily been overlooked.
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Fabulous service from Chris. We have used Huxley surveyors twice and would recommend without doubt. The service was professional, informed and really efficient. Following a survey, Chris offered follow- up calls to help with anything that wasn’t clear. A fantastic service.
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