Party Wall Act

Our Surveying Services team includes chartered surveyors who are specialists in all aspects of The Party Wall Act 1996, which applies throughout England and Wales. Whether you are considering construction work which falls under the Act or have received notice under the Act, they can advise you of your responsibilities and guide you through the legislation.

Key benefits:

• We understand the need to resolve disputes quickly and have the skills to achieve this
• We resolve dispute situations in an effective and pragmatic manner, saving time and money
• We have a national network of experienced surveyors so we can respond to requests rapidly, regardless of location.

Key features:

• We are experienced in the domestic market
• We ensure compliance with current legislation
• We act as the building owner and adjoining owners surveyor
• We provide advice on the appropriateness of the Act in an individual situation
• We can serve appropriate notices
• We can undertake schedules of condition

The role of the Party Wall surveyor
If a dispute arises, each owner must appoint a party wall surveyor who may be the same person. The surveyor(s) will draw up a party wall award, which is a legal document detailing the necessary work and any additional work required for the protection of the adjoining building.

What the Act requires
The purpose of the Act is to minimise disputes between neighbouring owners where one party proposes to undertake certain types of construction work. Examples of when a statutory notice may be required include:

• when a new structure is to be erected on or astride a boundary line
• when various works are due to be carried out to an existing party wall, such as underpinning, raising or thickening, or making good or demolishing
• when undertaking excavations adjacent to neighbouring buildings within 3m of a neighbour's building, where excavations will be below the base of the foundation

Recipients of the notice must respond within 14 days. If the adjoining owner either fails to respond or confirms his objection to the proposed works, both parties must appoint a party wall surveyor. Written notice of the work must be given at least two months before starting any party wall works or one month for ‘line of junction’ or excavation works. Where there is a tenant or leaseholder living next door, you must also inform the landlord.

For further information about our service, please contact Neil Gibson on
+44 7801 036399 or email neil.gibson@cl-uk.com