Expert Party Wall Surveyors in London
Serving N, E, EC, SE, BR, IG, EN, and DA postcodes. We provide professional notices, schedules of condition, and awards.
Fixed Fee Quotes for Building Owners.
Why Choose PWS London?
We specialize in resolving Party Wall matters efficiently and professionally across London.
Fixed Fees
No hidden costs. We provide Building Owners with transparent, fixed-fee quotes so you can budget your project effectively.
Highly Qualified
Our team includes RICS Surveyors and members of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors (FPWS).
Local Experts
Extensive experience in London property types, serving N, E, EC, SE, BR, IG, EN, and DA postcodes.
The Party Wall Process Explained
Understanding the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 doesn't have to be complicated. Here is the typical workflow.
Serve Notice
If your work falls under the Act (building on the boundary, working on an existing party wall, or excavating near a neighbour), you must serve a formal Notice 1 to 2 months before work starts.
Neighbour's Response
The adjoining owner has 14 days to respond. They can either Consent (work proceeds, usually with a Schedule of Condition) or Dissent (a dispute is deemed to have arisen).
Appointment of Surveyors
If a dispute arises, surveyors must be appointed. The parties can agree on a single "Agreed Surveyor" or each appoint their own. The Building Owner typically covers the fees for both.
Party Wall Award
The surveyors agree on a legal document called a "Party Wall Award." This governs how the work is executed, working hours, and protections for the neighbour. Once served, work can commence.
Our Services
Comprehensive compliance services for the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
Party Wall Notices
Invalid notices cause delays. We draft and serve technically accurate notices under:
- Section 1 (Line of Junction)
- Section 3 (Party Structure)
- Section 6 (Excavation)
Schedule of Conditions
A critical photographic and written record of the neighbouring property before works begin.
This document protects the Building Owner from false claims of damage and ensures the Adjoining Owner is fairly compensated for actual damage.
Party Wall Agreements
Also known as Party Wall Awards. We act as the Agreed Surveyor or the Building/Adjoining Owner's surveyor to produce this legally binding document.
We ensure the Award is fair, reasonable, and finalized quickly to prevent project delays.
Comprehensive Advice for Building Owners
As the Building Owner, the legal duty falls on you to notify your neighbours correctly. Failure to do so can result in costly delays and legal injunctions.
Identify Notifiable Works
Not all building work requires a notice. However, you likely need to serve notice if you are:
- Section 3: Cutting into a party wall (e.g., inserting steel beams for a loft).
- Section 6: Excavating within 3m or 6m of a neighbour's foundation (e.g., extensions/basements).
- Section 1: Building a new wall up to or astride the boundary line.
Serve Notice Correctly
Errors in notices render them invalid, restarting the clock.
- Timing: 2 months for Party Walls, 1 month for Excavations.
- Validity: Notices must include all legal owners of the neighbouring property to be valid.
- PWS London: We draft technically accurate notices for a low fixed fee to ensure compliance.
Manage Disputes & Costs
If a neighbour dissents, a surveyor must be appointed. You usually pay the fees for both sides.
- Agreed Surveyor: We can act impartially for both sides to save costs.
- Fixed Quotes: Unlike many firms charging hourly rates, we offer fixed fees for our portion of the work.
- Pre-emptive Advice: We help you speak to neighbours first to encourage consent.
Why use PWS London?
Construction projects are stressful enough without legal hurdles. We simplify the Party Wall process with a focus on speed and budget certainty.
Guidance for Adjoining Owners
If your neighbour has served you a Party Wall Notice, do not ignore it. You have specific rights that protect your home from damage and inconvenience.
Understanding Your Response Options
Once a notice is served, you have 14 days to respond in writing. If you do not respond, a dispute is legally "deemed" to have arisen.
Option 1: Consent
You agree to the works as described.
Our Advice: Only consent if the work is minor. Even if you consent, you should insist on a Schedule of Condition being taken before works start, so any cracks caused can be proven.
Option 2: Dissent (Agreed Surveyor)
You disagree or want legal protection (an Award). You and your neighbour agree to use one single surveyor (like PWS London) who acts impartially for both.
Benefit: Faster and cheaper for the neighbour.
Option 3: Dissent (Own Surveyor)
You appoint your own separate surveyor to look after your interests exclusively. The Building Owner's surveyor works with yours to agree on the Award.
Benefit: Maximum protection, but slower process.
Frequently Asked Questions for Neighbours
Who pays for my surveyor?
In almost all scenarios, the Building Owner (your neighbour) is legally responsible for your surveyor's reasonable fees.
Can I stop the works?
No, the Act is "enabling" legislation. However, we can control how the work is done (hours, noise, vibration) via the Party Wall Award.
Why do I need a Schedule of Condition?
Without a photographic record of your walls/ceilings before work starts, it is very difficult to prove that new cracks were caused by your neighbour's builders.
How a Party Wall Award Protects You
Proof of Condition
Detailed photographic evidence of your property state.
Working Hours
Strict limits on noisy works (usually 8am-5pm Mon-Fri).
Damage Repair
Legal obligation for neighbour to repair damage or pay compensation.
Access Rights
Controlled access to your land only if strictly necessary.
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Party Wall?
A party wall is a wall that stands on the land of two or more owners. It can be part of a building (like the wall separating semi-detached houses) or a garden wall (party fence wall).
2. Do I really need a surveyor?
If your neighbour dissents to your notice, the Act requires the appointment of surveyors. You cannot act as your own surveyor. However, if they consent, a surveyor is not strictly legally required, though highly recommended for the Schedule of Conditions.
3. Who pays the surveyor's fees?
Usually, the Building Owner (the one doing the work) pays for all surveyor fees, including the Adjoining Owner's surveyor.
4. How much notice must I give?
For work to an existing party wall (Section 2), you need to give 2 months' notice. For excavations (Section 6) or new walls at the boundary (Section 1), it is 1 month.
5. Can my neighbour stop my extension?
No. The Party Wall Act is an enabling act. It allows you to do work. A neighbour can only object to the specifics of *how* the work is done or request better protection, they cannot stop the work if it is lawful planning-wise.
6. What if I start without an Award?
Your neighbour could seek a court injunction to stop your work, which is very expensive. It is vital to follow the process correctly.
7. Does the surveyor inspect the roof?
Normally, yes, if relevant. The Schedule of Condition covers all parts of the adjoining property likely to be affected by the works.
8. How long does an Award take?
Once surveyors are appointed, it usually takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the complexity of the project and responsiveness of the owners.
9. Are you RICS qualified?
Yes, PWS London surveyors are qualified with the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), FPWS, and members of the Pyramus & Thisbe Club.
10. What areas do you cover?
We cover North (N), East (E), East Central (EC), South East (SE), Bromley (BR), Ilford (IG), Enfield (EN), and Dartford (DA) postcodes.
Get in Touch
Whether you are a Building Owner needing a fixed quote, or an Adjoining Owner needing advice, contact PWS London today.
Call Us
0208 243 4565Email Us
hello@pwslondon.co.ukService Areas
London & Greater London
N, E, EC, SE, BR, IG, EN, DA
Qualifications
Request a Fixed Quote
Privacy Policy
Last Updated:
1. Introduction
PWS London ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website www.pwslondon.co.uk or engage our services as Party Wall Surveyors.
2. Information We Collect
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you fill out a contact form, request a quote, or communicate with us. This information may include:
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Property address/Postcode
- Details of proposed building works
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Provide you with quotes and services related to the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
- Communicate with you regarding your inquiry or ongoing project.
- Fulfill our statutory duties as appointed surveyors.
- Improve our website and services.
4. Disclosure of Your Information
We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to outside parties for marketing purposes. We may share your information with:
- Appointed Surveyors: As required by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, information may be shared with the surveyor appointed by the other owner to facilitate the resolution of a dispute.
- Service Providers: Trusted third parties who assist us in operating our website or conducting our business (e.g., email hosting), so long as those parties agree to keep this information confidential.
- Legal Requirements: If required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities.
5. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to maintain the safety of your personal information. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure.
6. Your Rights
Under the UK GDPR, you have rights including:
- Right to Access: You have the right to request copies of your personal data.
- Right to Rectification: You have the right to request that we correct any information you believe is inaccurate.
- Right to Erasure: You have the right to request that we erase your personal data, under certain conditions.
7. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
Email: hello@pwslondon.co.uk