Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor Services in London

If your neighbour is carrying out building works near your property, you have legal rights and protections under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Appointing an Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor ensures those rights are safeguarded and any damage or disturbance is properly managed. At Hourican Associates, we represent adjoining owners across London, providing independent, expert advice and protecting your property interests at every stage.

What Does an Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor Do?

Your appointed Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor acts solely in your interest, making sure your neighbour’s works comply with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and that your property is properly protected before, during, and after construction.

At Hourican Associates, we focus on safeguarding your home or investment while maintaining a professional, constructive relationship with your neighbour and their surveyor.

  • Reviewing the proposed works, structural details, and drawings.
  • Inspecting your property before works commence and preparing a detailed Schedule of Condition report.
  • Negotiating and agreeing the Party Wall Award (Party Wall Agreement) on your behalf.
  • Ensuring access, protection, and damage clauses are clearly and fairly defined.
  • Monitoring the works where necessary and overseeing remedial works if damage occurs.
  • Advising you on your options if a dispute arises, including formal Party Wall dispute resolution.

Why Appoint Hourican Associates?

As an adjoining owner, you are entitled to appoint your own independent surveyor. Choosing an experienced, regulated practice like Hourican Associates means your surveyor understands both the technical and legal aspects of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

  • Independent, Chartered Surveyors with decades of Party Wall experience.
  • Regulated by RICS, CIOB, and MCABE.
  • Members of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors (FPWS) and Pyramus & Thisbe Society.
  • Clear, transparent communication and genuinely impartial advice throughout.
  • Fixed-fee services for peace of mind, agreed in advance.

We act swiftly to review your neighbour’s proposals, identify structural and practical risks, and ensure your property is fully protected before construction begins. For general guidance, you can also refer to our Adjoining Owner Party Wall information page.

Your Rights as an Adjoining Owner

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 gives adjoining owners a range of legal rights. Our role is to ensure those rights are respected and properly documented.

You have the right to:

  • Receive formal Party Wall Notices before works start.
  • Appoint your own Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor to represent your interests, separate from your neighbour’s surveyor.
  • Have your property inspected and recorded in a formal Schedule of Condition Survey.
  • Be compensated for any damage or loss caused by the works, as set out in the Party Wall Award.
  • Request clarification, modifications, and additional protection measures where justified.

Our surveyors ensure these rights are upheld, your concerns are properly considered, and protective measures are built into the Award.

Working with Your Neighbour’s Surveyor

In many cases, your neighbour will have already appointed a Building Owner’s Surveyor. You are then free to appoint your own surveyor, or both parties can agree to use a single Agreed Surveyor.

We will discuss each option with you, explaining the pros and cons in relation to your specific project and relationship with your neighbour.

Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor FAQs

No. When you receive a Party Wall Notice, you can consent, dissent, or consent subject to conditions. We can review the proposed works and advise whether you should consent, request modifications, or dissent and appoint your own surveyor to agree a formal Party Wall Award.

In most cases, the Building Owner (the person undertaking the works) is responsible for the reasonable fees of all appointed surveyors under the Act — including your Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor. We will confirm how this applies in your specific situation and ensure fee provisions are clearly recorded in the Award.

Your Schedule of Condition provides a detailed record of your property’s condition before works begin. If damage appears afterwards, we can compare it against that record and pursue repairs or compensation as set out in the Party Wall Award. If necessary, we can also assist with further dispute resolution.

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

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