Schedule of Condition Surveys in London – Why They're Essential
Schedule of Condition Surveys
Protect your property with a professionally prepared Schedule of Condition Survey in London. Fixed-price reports by qualified Party Wall Surveyors to prevent disputes, comply with the Party Wall Act, and document neighbouring conditions before construction begins. Fast turnaround – trusted across Greater London.
Protect your property and avoid disputes with professional Schedule of Condition Surveys by Chartered Surveyors in London.
If you're planning building works in London—such as a loft conversion or basement excavation—it's critical to record the condition of neighbouring properties before starting. This is done through a Schedule of Condition Survey, a key step in avoiding future disputes.
What is a Schedule of Condition Survey?
A Schedule of Condition Survey is a detailed photographic and written record of a property’s condition before construction works begin. It protects both parties from disputes and is often included in Party Wall Awards.
Legal Context: Party Wall etc. Act 1996
While not legally required, a Schedule of Condition is recommended under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Section 7(2) holds the building owner responsible for compensating any damage caused—so a pre-works record is vital.
Supporting Data and Insight
80% of London housing is terraced, semi-detached or flats — all likely to share boundaries. (GLA 2022)
Disputes over damage from works are among the most common neighbour conflicts post-construction. (FPWS)
Most Party Wall Awards in London include a Schedule of Condition as standard practice.
When Should You Arrange One?
Schedule of Condition Surveys are recommended before:
Loft conversions or chimney removals
Basement excavations or rear extensions
Works affecting shared or party walls
Excavations within 3 or 6 metres of neighbouring foundations
Cost of a Schedule of Condition Survey in London
Our fees range from £385-£585+VAT depending on works and size of property. This includes:
Site visit by a qualified surveyor
Photographic and written report
Digital PDF and hard copy on request
Fast 2–3 day delivery
Basement surveys are priced separately as they require a more detailed inspection, often involving a survey of the entire property.
Who Pays?
Under the Act, the Building Owner pays all “reasonable costs”, including the Schedule of Condition Survey. The Adjoining Owner does not contribute.
What’s in the Report?
Time-stamped photos of internal and external areas
Written notes on walls, ceilings, boundaries
Annotations highlighting existing cracks or defects
Areas We Cover
We operate across London, including:
North: Camden, Islington, Barnet
East: Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Stratford
South: Clapham, Wandsworth, Dulwich
West: Fulham, Kensington, Chiswick
Why Choose Hourican Associates?
Regulated by RICS, CIOB, MCABE & FPWS
Chartered Party Wall Surveyors with London expertise
Fixed pricing & fast turnaround
Legal-grade documentation
FAQs – Schedule of Condition Surveys in London
No, but it is strongly advised. Most party wall surveyors include one as part of the Party Wall Award to prevent future disputes over damage.
Our fees range from £385-£585+VAT, which includes inspection, photography, report preparation and delivery. Pricing depends on works and size of property. Basement surveys are priced separately as they require a more detailed inspection, often involving a survey of the entire property.
The Building Owner pays, as part of their responsibility under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
Before any construction works begin, ideally after a Party Wall Notice has been served but before machinery or contractors start work.
Need a Schedule of Condition Survey in London?
At Hourican Associates, our chartered party wall surveyors deliver accurate, photographic Schedule of Condition Reports to protect you and your neighbours before works begin.
We operate across London, including Fulham, Chiswick, Chelsea, Camden, Islington, and all surrounding boroughs.
Disclaimer: All quotes are indicative and based on project-specific factors such as property size, access, and location. Schedule of Condition Surveys are strongly advised for most works under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. For tailored legal guidance, please book a formal consultation with a qualified surveyor.
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!
Excellent work for Party Wall agreement - Richard was very helpful and efficient. Would throughly recommend.
Jonathan Drysch
13 Sep 2021
Richard was absolutely brilliant in getting my party wall agreements for a complex loft extension across the line, throughout lockdown too, when getting access was challenging. He was very helpful when I then had to revert after a new obstacle arose, which needed his advice and a subsequent/additional award at short notice. Very much recommend - thanks Rich!
D G
27 Jul 2021
We engaged Richard Hourican for some party wall work and his response-time, ongoing communication, pricing and service were all excellent. He also went further and sorted us out with an engineer, who was also excellent. Highly recommended.
Elliot Bates
22 Jul 2021
Richard was very efficient, fuss-free, and well organised. A pleasure to work with.
Jonathan Mun
02 Jul 2021
I engaged Hourican & Associates for a Party Wall Agreement with 2 adjoining neighbours who are both tenants. Richard was very responsive from first contact and remained so throughout the consultation and when the Awards were issued. Very professional at all times and answered any questions in a timely manner. Our neighbours, both tenants and landlords didn't have any complaints either. I have recommended Hourican to some friends who may need similar services in the near future and wouldn't hesitate to use them again if needed.
Morgan Nelson
05 Sep 2020
Great Service, even with the impediment of a 2020 lockdown. Great communication
Isaac Tooby
30 Jul 2020
Richard Hourican dealt with my party wall notices on both sides for an extension and loft conversion. Very efficient and knowledgeable. He got it all dealt with very quickly. Would definitely recommend!
Serban Georgescu
22 Sep 2019
Richard & team helped us sort out a party wall agreement with an unresponsive neighbour. Everything went smoothly and on time so I would recommend their services.
Henry Richards
03 Sep 2019
Richard worked efficiently to a very tight deadline, managing all counterparties excellently and with clear impartiality. Technically able, with an excellent knowledge of the Act, and an ability to explain to the layman.
I would highly recommend and would definitely use him again.
Rory Dunnett
18 Jun 2019
Working with Richard has been the easiest part of our recent building project, would certainly use again. He agreed the Party Wall Awards quickly and without any prompting needed from our side.
Diana Evans
06 Jun 2019
We couldn’t be happier with the professional advice and service we received from Richard. He went above and beyond our expectations in handling a particularly difficult party wall award which we are extremely grateful for. I highly recommend Richard’s services to anyone and will definitely use his services again in the future.
jacqueline munro
20 May 2019
Excellent service, would highly recommend. Richard made the party wall process pain free with both my neighbours happy with the agreements which were drawn up.
Chiswick W4
