Party Wall: What It Is and How It Works

Party Wall: What It Is and How It Works

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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?

  1. Serving a Party Wall Notice: Required for works such as loft conversions, chimney removals, basement works, or excavation near a boundary.
  2. Neighbour Response: Consent, dissent with their own surveyor, or dissent with an agreed surveyor.
  3. 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
Hiring a party wall surveyor early reduces legal disputes by 80%

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

Yes, if you’re cutting into or raising the party wall (e.g. for steel beams or roof changes), you must serve a notice under Section 2 of the Act.
Costs vary by project complexity. Hourican & Associates charge:
  • £65 + VAT per notice
  • £585 + VAT for a Schedule of Condition
  • £1,100–£1,500 + VAT for a full award
They may appoint their own surveyor, whose reasonable fees you'll cover. Alternatively, you can both use an agreed surveyor to simplify the process.
It is a photographic and written record of your neighbour's property before works begin. It protects both parties if a damage dispute arises.
If you excavate within 3 metres of a neighbour’s structure and deeper than their foundations, you must serve a Section 6 notice.
Yes. Not serving notice could result in legal injunctions or claims—even if you’re complying with planning permission or building regulations.

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 Now

Disclaimer: 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. Specialist Party Wall surveyor, London

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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91 Google Reviews for London Party Wall Surveyor
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Belinda Brewin
Belinda Brewin
28 Jun 2024

If you are looking for someone to go the extra mile look no further than Richard Hourican. I cannot thank him enough for the excellent job he did in securing my Party Wall Awards. There were numerous flats either side of my property. A total of 11 altogether. Some responded, some didn't but Richard didn't give up. He made what could have been a difficult, long drawn out and stressful situation a lot easier to handle and took all the flak and came up with the result. Don't look any further than this, you have found your man. Thank you!

Belinda Brewin
Belinda Brewin
28 Jun 2024
Jessica Graham
Jessica Graham
06 Jun 2024

Great fast response and the party wall award was received in good time before the build. Thank you

Miguel Rios
Miguel Rios
14 May 2024

We had a party wall issue that Hourican & Associates assisted us with. They're knowledge was excellent with great communication advising us every step of the way. Very happy to have worked with them.

Katrina Pirner
Katrina Pirner
02 May 2024

Richard was fantastic. He was responsive, professional, and very helpful with all the questions I had throughout the process. I can highly recommend him!

Gregg May
Gregg May
20 Mar 2024

Richard dealt with a lengthy and complicated set of several simultaneous party wall awards relating to our recent building project. He was professional and personable which was a great help to us in what was a difficult situation. He brought all matters to a happy conclusion for us.

Helen Booth
Helen Booth
18 Mar 2024

It was a pleasure working with Richard of Hourican Associates. He was very professional and responsive throughout a stressful time for us. I’d have no hesitation recommending him and their services.

Jena Mihalovic
Jena Mihalovic
26 Feb 2024

We had the pleasure of working with Richard Hourican and his team at Hourican & Associates for our party wall agreement, and the experience was nothing short of exceptional. From start to finish, Richard exhibited a level of professionalism and expertise that surpassed our expectations. Communication was a standout aspect of our collaboration with Hourican & Associates. Richard kept us informed every step of the way, ensuring that we were always in the loop regarding the progress of our party wall agreement. Any queries or concerns we had were promptly addressed, contributing to a seamless and transparent process. The timeliness of their work is commendable. Unlike some experiences we've heard about, there was no unnecessary delay or dragging out of the process. Richard and his team efficiently navigated the complexities of our party wall agreement, demonstrating a commitment to meeting deadlines without compromising on the quality of their work. In summary, if you're in need of a reliable, communicative, and efficient team to handle your party wall agreement, look no further than Hourican & Associates. Richard's professionalism and the team's dedication to client satisfaction make them a top choice in their field. We wholeheartedly recommend their services and would gladly work with them again in the future.

Robert Lines
Robert Lines
31 Jan 2024

Hourican Associates handled a complex set of party wall agreements for us with a range of stakeholders including both leasehold and freehold owners. From our first conversation, Richard's vast knowledge of this process was evident; he explained the whole process clearly and answered all my questions thoroughly. Communication was extremely prompt the whole way through with Richard always making time to chat on the phone to keep us updated. I would highly recommend Hourican Associates.

Marwan Bateh
Marwan Bateh
26 Jan 2024

The team at Hourican Associates were exceptional. They were very helpful professional in handling my party wall consents. Thank you! Highly recommend them to anyone.

Chris V
Chris V
27 Nov 2023

Absolutely first class. Helpful and kind. I would very much recommend Hourican Associates.

V FitzGerald
V FitzGerald
18 Nov 2023

Richard is fantastic, understands the situation and helps sort the PWA quickly. He’s also very responsive. We have used Hourican twice now and would definitely use again.

Contact us for advice on how the Party Wall Act applies to your project & get a free quotation.

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