Schedule of Condition Surveys in London – Why They're Essential

0208 849 8390

Schedule of Condition Surveys

|

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.

Order your schedule of condition survey

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.

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!

Contact us


Follow us:

85 Google Reviews for London Party Wall Surveyor
Google logo
Cameron Brown
Cameron Brown
17 Nov 2024

Hourican Associates Ltd came recommended and quote was fair. Managed complex party wall situation with 5 neighbours for a loft extension. Schedule of conditions conducted and party wall agreements issued efficiently. Responsive when questions/issues arose.

Philip Dedich
Philip Dedich
17 Oct 2024

Engaging Richard from Hourican Associates as my party wall surveyor has been an absolute blessing. From start to finish, he has been extremely helpful, consistently offering valuable advice and guidance throughout the entire process. Richard’s responsiveness and willingness to address any additional queries I had was truly impressive, and he even went the extra mile on several occasions to ensure everything has gone smoothly. Working with him was an absolute pleasure, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Richard and the team at Hourican Associates to anyone seeking professional, reliable party wall services in the future.

Cherry Cherry cherry
Cherry Cherry cherry
17 Oct 2024

Has acted as Party Wall surveyor for me - really responsive and excellent service.

Peter Chalwin
Peter Chalwin
23 Jul 2024

Richard was very helpful. He’s knowledgable and quick to respond to queries. Would recommend.

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

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

Contact us