Party Wall: What It Is and How It Works
Hourican & Associates Ltd |
Understanding Party Walls with Hourican & Associates – Chartered Party Wall Surveyors in London
What Is a Party Wall?
A party wall is a wall that stands on the land of two or more owners and either:
- Forms part of a building (e.g. the dividing wall between two terraced houses), or
- Separates two buildings (e.g. flats, commercial units or townhouses), or
- Sits on the boundary and is jointly owned (a party fence wall, not a timber fence)
In the UK, party walls are governed by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, which ensures lawful notification and agreement between neighbours when building work may affect shared walls or structures.
How Does the Party Wall Process Work?
- Serving a Party Wall Notice: Required for works such as loft conversions, chimney removals, basement works, or excavation near a boundary.
- Neighbour Response: Consent, dissent with their own surveyor, or dissent with an agreed surveyor.
- Party Wall Award: A legally binding document issued if there is dissent.
Hourican & Associates Fees:
- Party Wall Notice: £65 + VAT per neighbour
- Schedule of Condition Survey: £585 + VAT
- Full Award Service: £1,100–£1,500 + VAT
Why Are Party Wall Agreements Important?
Party Wall Agreements help to:
- Prevent disputes through clear documentation
- Protect both parties with a Schedule of Condition
- Define access rights and responsibilities
- Reduce legal risks if damage occurs
Who Are Hourican & Associates?
We are a Chartered Building Consultancy specialising in party wall surveying throughout London.
- Regulated by RICS, CIOB & CABE
- Members of FPWS and The Pyramus & Thisbe Society
- Work across North, South, East & West London
Frequently Asked Questions
- £65 + VAT per notice
- £585 + VAT for a Schedule of Condition
- £1,100–£1,500 + VAT for a full award
Need Expert Party Wall Advice?
As chartered party wall surveyors in London, Hourican Associates can help.
We cover all areas of London including Fulham, Chiswick, Chelsea, Camden, Islington, and more.
Request a Free Party Wall Quote NowDisclaimer: All cost estimates are indicative only and may vary depending on the nature, scale and location of your project. Legal obligations under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 should always be confirmed with a qualified party wall surveyor. For formal advice, we recommend booking a consultation.
Richard Hourican, Company Director
BSc (Hons). HND Build. MCIOB. C.Build E MCABE. ARICS. MFPWS. MPTS
As a specialist Party Wall surveyor, Richard Hourican will protect your interests during building works.
Are you planning a building project – perhaps an extension, loft conversion or basement – that is on or adjacent to your property’s boundary line? Or has a ‘Party Wall’ notice dropped on the doormat informing you of a neighbour’s impending works?
It’s essential to understand all the implications of building plans. If you don’t, it could cost thousands. Our job is to ensure everything is done correctly – and that it doesn’t!
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