020 3633 0823

Party Wall Surveyors in London

Fast, compliant party wall notices and awards across all London boroughs — get expert help today.

Trusted Party Wall Surveyors in London

Handle notices, schedules of condition, and awards quickly and correctly across all London boroughs.

Common types of works that affected by the Party Wall Act. 

  • Extensions
  • Loft conversions
  • Chimney removal
  • Basements
  • Works to boundary walls
  • Any excavations within 3m of your neighbours property
  • Any construction along boundary line

Find out more about the Party Wall Act and process here.

If you’re planning building work in London—from a loft conversion in Islington to a rear extension in Wandsworth or basement excavation in Kensington & Chelsea—it’s important to understand how the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies. The Act sets out the legal steps for notifying adjoining owners, agreeing access, and protecting both properties before work begins.

Our guide explains the Party Wall process in London in plain English, including when you need to serve notices, what happens if a neighbour dissents, and how a Schedule of Condition and Party Wall Award can prevent delays and disputes. Use the link below to learn what to do next and how to keep your project moving smoothly across all London boroughs.

 
 

Why London Property Owners Need a Party Wall Surveyor

London home improvements often sit right up against a neighbour’s wall, boundary, or foundations. A Party Wall Surveyor helps you follow the Party Wall etc. Act correctly, reduce delays, and protect your property (and relationships) before work starts. From loft conversions and rear extensions to basement works and structural steel, getting the process right early can save weeks of back-and-forth later.

Why it matters in London

  • Homes are close together (terraces, conversions, mansion blocks), so more projects become “notifiable”.
  • Avoid costly delays by serving the right notices with the right details and timings.
  • Protect both properties with a clear Schedule of Condition before work begins.
  • Reduce neighbour disputes with a calm, professional process and clear communication.
  • Stay legally compliant with the Party Wall etc. Act when work affects shared/adjacent structures.
  • Keep your build on track by agreeing the process early—especially when contractors are booked.
  • Clear, documented permissions through an Award when needed, so responsibilities are defined.

If you’re planning a loft conversion, extension, basement, or structural changes, a quick review of your drawings can confirm whether the Party Wall process applies and what steps to take next.

 
 

What Does a Party Wall Surveyor Do?

A party wall surveyor is a qualified professional who:

  • Interprets the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
  • Drafts and serves Party Wall Notices
  • Resolves disputes between neighbours
  • Prepares legally binding Party Wall Awards
  • Conducts Schedule of Condition Reports to protect both parties
  • Ensures your construction complies with the law

If your neighbour consents to the notice, you can proceed without much delay. But if they dissent (or don’t respond), a party wall surveyor is essential to move things forward legally and efficiently.

The Express Party Wall Difference

Fast, clear party wall surveying with proactive neighbour communication—keeping your London project compliant, protected, and moving without delays.

Fast Notice Preparation

Accurate, compliant notices issued quickly to keep your project moving.

Clear, Calm Communication

We handle neighbour queries professionally to reduce tension and delays.

Thorough Schedule of Condition

Detailed photos and notes to protect both properties before work starts.

Practical, Fair Awards

Sensible working methods and protections agreed with minimal disruption.

London-Wide Coverage

Experienced support across all boroughs for lofts, extensions, and basements.

Party Wall Process in London: Step-by-Step

Here’s what the typical process looks like when you work with us:

01
Free Initial Check

Share your plans/drawings and we confirm if the work is notifiable under the Party Wall Act.

02
Identify Adjoining Owners

We help confirm who must receive notice (freeholders/leaseholders/neighbours).

03
Serve the Correct Party Wall Notices

Notices are prepared and issued correctly with the right dates, details, and sections.

  • Prepare the right notices for your type of work (Sections 1/2/6)
  • Issue with correct dates, drawings, and descriptions
04
Neighbour Response & Surveyor Appointment

If consent isn’t given, surveyor(s) are appointed and the process moves to agreement.

05
Schedule of Condition (Pre-Works Inspection)

We record the neighbour’s property condition to protect both parties before works start.

  • Inspect and photograph key areas in the adjoining property
  • Create a signed record to reduce disputes later
06
Party Wall Award & Start Works

An Award is agreed (when required), setting out rules, access, protections, and responsibilities so work can begin confidently.

Common Party Wall Scenarios in London

Loft Conversions & Steel Beams

Cutting into a party wall to insert beams or raising the party wall for a loft.

Rear/Side Extensions Near the Boundary

Building on or close to the boundary line, including new walls and structural work.

Basement Excavations & Underpinning

Deep digging that can affect neighbouring foundations—common in many London areas.

Party Fence Walls & Garden Boundary Works

Repairing, rebuilding, or altering shared garden walls and boundary structures.

London: A Different Kind of Party Wall Challenge

London’s homes are closer together, buildings are older, and renovations are constant—so party wall matters come up more often and can become complex fast. Getting the process right early helps avoid delays, disputes, and unexpected costs.

  • Dense housing: terraced streets, flats, and conversions mean shared walls are common
  • Older structures: higher risk of cracks/movement if works aren’t managed properly
  • More notifiable projects: lofts, rear extensions, basements, and steel installations
  • Neighbour sensitivities: access, noise, and working hours need clear agreement
  • Tight timelines: contractors booked—correct notices prevent last-minute hold-ups
  • Better protection: Schedule of Condition + Award reduces “who caused what” arguments

Book Your Party Wall Surveyor in London Today

Ready to start your project with confidence? Our London party wall surveyors make the process simple—clear advice, correct notices, and fast progress from day one.

  • Free initial check of your plans to confirm if the Party Wall Act applies
  • Notices prepared and served correctly (Sections 1, 2 & 6 where relevant)
  • Schedule of Condition inspections to protect both properties
  • Party Wall Awards managed efficiently if consent isn’t given
  • Coverage across all London boroughs with responsive support

Click below to book your party wall surveyor in London today.

Confirm My Quote

Party Wall Surveyor London: Areas We Cover

We provide party wall surveying services across all London boroughs and the City of London. Whether you’re planning a loft conversion, rear extension, basement works, or structural alterations, we can handle your notices, schedules of condition, and awards with a clear, efficient process.

We cover:

  • North London (e.g., Islington, Camden, Barnet, Haringey, Enfield)

  • South London (e.g., Southwark, Lambeth, Croydon, Wandsworth, Lewisham)

  • East London (e.g., Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Newham, Redbridge, Barking & Dagenham)

  • West London (e.g., Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham, Brent, Ealing, Hounslow)

  • Central London & City of London (Westminster + surrounding areas)

If your borough isn’t listed on this page, don’t worry—we still cover it. Get in touch and we’ll confirm availability and next steps in minutes.

Areas We Cover in London:

  • Angel
  • Archway
  • Barnsbury
  • Canonbury
  • Clerkenwell
  • Farringdon
  • Finsbury
  • Finsbury Park
  • Highbury
  • Holloway
  • Islington Central
  • Kings Cross (Islington side)
  • Mildmay
  • Newington Green
  • Pentonville
  • Tufnell Park (Islington side)
  • Upper Holloway

From residential projects to commercial developments, we offer:

  • Party Wall Notices
  • Party Wall Agreements (Awards)
  • Schedule of Condition Reports
  • Neighbourly Dispute Advice

Party Wall Surveyor Across London Boroughs

  • Barking and Dagenham
  • Barnet
  • Bexley
  • Brent
  • Bromley
  • Camden
  • Croydon
  • City of London
  • Ealing
  • Enfield
  • Greenwich
  • Hackney
  • Hammersmith and Fulham
  • Haringey
  • Harrow
  • Havering
  • Hillingdon
  • Hounslow
  • Islington
  • Kensington and Chelsea
  • Kingston upon Thames
  • Lambeth
  • Lewisham
  • Redbridge
  • Richmond upon Thames
  • Southwark
  • Sutton
  • Tower Hamlets
  • Waltham Forest
  • Wandsworth
  • Westminster

The following fees are indicative for a small project [rear extension], as Building Owner Surveyor. All fees are subject to a formal fee quote.

Preparation of Notices

£49

The first step is to notify neighbours of the works and their rights under the Party Wall Act. This is a legal obligation and fulfilled by serving notices that allow the neighbour the option of either agreeing for the works to proceed without a full Party Wall Award, or to have an Award drawn up.

In event it is agreed that no Party Wall Award is required, it can still be beneficial to produce a Schedule of Condition.

  • Review of plans to identify required notices.
  • Legal searches to identify legal 'neighbours' [freeholders, leaseholders, tenants]
  • Contact with neighbours, completion and serving of the required notices.
Confirm My Quote

The Party Wall Award

£500

Having served the notices, where the neighbour, or both parties prefer to have a Party Wall Award drawn up, the Party Wall Act terms this a ‘dispute’.

In practice it doesn’t necessarily mean a disagreement, just that both parties want to protect their property and rights by recording the nature of the works to avoid future disagreement, litigation and costs. This is done by creating a Party Wall Award.

  • Act as Building Owner Surveyor
  • Drafting and serving of the Party Wall Award.
  • Providing 'Ten Day Notices' in event neighbour does not respond.
  • Making required appointments on behalf of the building owner.
Confirm My Quote

Acting as 'Agreed Surveyor' Included within award price.

The Party Wall Act allows the neighbour to the works to have their own surveyor appointed and paid for by the building owner.

This is where costs can rise significantly. On simple projects, if we can get agreement of the neighbour, we will act for both parties as Agreed Surveyor, saving substantial costs.

  • Conduct site visit and inspection of neighbouring property affected areas.
  • Visual and photographic inspection in production of schedule.
  • Follow up inspection at completion of the works.
Confirm My Quote

Schedule of Condition

£250

Even where no formal Award is created, it is highly advisable to record the condition of the affected area of the neighbour’s property at the outset, thereby protecting both parties interests.

This can also be requested by the adjoining neighbour.

Confirm My Quote
* Fee excludes VAT. All prices are subject to formal quotation.

FAQs

1) What is the Party Wall etc. Act 1996?
It’s a UK law that sets out the procedure for carrying out certain building works that affect a shared wall, boundary wall, or nearby foundations, and how to notify and protect adjoining owners.

2) When do I need a Party Wall Surveyor in London?
If your work involves a party wall/structure, building on the boundary, or excavating near a neighbour’s foundations, you may need to serve notices and potentially agree an Award.

3) What types of London projects are commonly notifiable?
Loft conversions with steel beams, rear/side extensions near boundaries, basement excavations/underpinning, and structural alterations to shared walls are the most common.

4) How do I know if my work is notifiable (Sections 1, 2 or 6)?
A quick review of your drawings usually confirms it. Works often fall under: building on the line of junction (S1), works to a party structure (S2), or excavations near a neighbour (S6).

5) How much notice do I need to give my neighbours?
It depends on the work type. Many notifiable works require 1–2 months’ notice. A surveyor ensures the correct notice and timing.

6) What happens after I serve a Party Wall Notice?
Your neighbour can consent, dissent (request surveyor involvement), or ask for more information. If they dissent, surveyors are appointed and the process moves toward an Award.

7) Can my neighbour refuse my building work?
They can’t usually “veto” notifiable works outright, but they can dissent and require the matter to be handled under the Act, often resulting in a Party Wall Award with protections.

8) Do I still need a Schedule of Condition if my neighbour consents?
It’s strongly recommended. It records the neighbour’s property condition before work starts and helps prevent disputes about damage later.

9) What is a Party Wall Award?
A legally binding document that sets out how and when the work must be carried out, access arrangements, protective measures, and how any damage will be handled.

10) How long does the Party Wall process take in London?
Simple consent cases can be quick. If an Award is needed, timelines vary depending on complexity, neighbour response time, and access for inspection.

11) Who pays the Party Wall Surveyor fees?
In most cases, the building owner (the person doing the works) pays the reasonable surveyor fees, especially where the works are for their benefit.

12) Do you cover my borough?
Yes—our party wall surveyors cover all London boroughs and the City of London, including areas such as Islington, Camden, Hackney, Westminster, Southwark, Wandsworth, and Kensington & Chelsea.