Party Wall Dispute Resolution in London

When disagreements arise between neighbours over building works, damage, or interpretation of a Party Wall Award, professional mediation is vital. At Hourican Associates, our Chartered Party Wall Surveyors in London specialise in resolving disputes quickly and fairly under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

Specialist Party Wall Dispute Resolution

We provide impartial, legally compliant solutions that protect both property owners and maintain neighbourly relationships. Whether the issue relates to an invalid Party Wall Notice, an unclear Award, alleged damage or access disputes, our surveyors are experienced in Party Wall dispute resolution across London.

Our team brings together technical building expertise and deep knowledge of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, enabling us to resolve most disputes without the need for costly legal proceedings.

What is a Party Wall Dispute?

A Party Wall dispute occurs when one party disagrees with how the Act is being applied or feels their property or rights are not being properly protected. Common triggers include:

  • Concerns about the contents or service of a Party Wall Notice.
  • Disagreement with the terms of a Party Wall Award.
  • Arguments over responsibility for damage, access, or repair.
  • Refusal to allow works that are permitted under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
  • Allegations of non-compliance with an existing Award.

Our role is to assess the facts objectively and prepare or review the Award to resolve the matter efficiently. For a more in-depth overview, you can also read our guide on Party Wall disputes and expert resolution services.

How We Resolve Party Wall Disputes

Every case is different, but our dispute resolution approach is structured, transparent, and fully aligned with the Act.

  1. Review the Case
    We examine existing Notices, Awards, drawings, Schedules of Condition and correspondence between parties or surveyors.
  2. Inspect the Property
    Where necessary, we carry out site inspections and prepare updated Schedule of Condition reports to establish the true extent of any alleged damage.
  3. Determine Liability
    We assess whether any alleged damage or breach is supported by evidence, using our experience as Building Owner’s Surveyors, Adjoining Owner’s Surveyors and Agreed Surveyors.
  4. Negotiate a Resolution
    Our surveyors act as impartial arbiters to agree repairs, compensation, modified working methods or updated terms in line with the Act and the original intent of the Award.
  5. Issue a Revised or Supplemental Award
    Where required, a new or supplemental Party Wall Award is served to document the resolution and any remedial requirements.

This structured process allows most disputes to be concluded quickly, keeping projects moving while protecting all parties.

Why Choose Hourican Associates

Hourican Associates has extensive experience resolving complex Party Wall disputes across London, including basement excavations, loft conversions, and boundary issues.

  • Decades of combined Party Wall and building surveying experience.
  • Regulated by RICS, CIOB, and MCABE.
  • Members of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors (FPWS) and Pyramus & Thisbe Society.
  • Impartial, legally compliant dispute handling in line with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
  • Rapid response and clear advice across all areas of London.

Our expertise ensures disputes are handled efficiently and proportionately, helping you avoid unnecessary legal costs, construction delays, or damaged neighbour relationships.

Common Party Wall Disputes We Handle

We regularly assist with disputes arising from a wide range of residential and commercial projects, including loft conversions, rear extensions, basement works and deeper excavations.

  • Alleged damage following excavation or structural works.
  • Disagreement over access rights, scaffolding, or working hours.
  • Conflicts regarding responsibility for repairs, reinstatement, or making good finishes.
  • Non-compliance with an existing Party Wall Award.
  • Appeals or amendments to incorrect or incomplete Notices and Awards.

Party Wall Dispute Resolution FAQs

Yes. Either owner can appeal to the County Court within 14 days of receiving the Award. However, appeals can be costly and should usually be a last resort. In many cases, issues can be resolved more quickly and economically by seeking clarification, a further Award, or targeted dispute resolution from experienced Party Wall Surveyors.

Generally, the Building Owner pays the reasonable fees associated with resolving Party Wall disputes, especially where the dispute arises from the works they are carrying out. However, if it is shown that the dispute or additional costs were caused by the Adjoining Owner’s actions, a different cost allocation may be appropriate. We will advise on fee liability in line with the Act and established case law.

Most disputes are resolved within 2–4 weeks once both parties’ surveyors are appointed and the necessary evidence has been reviewed. Timescales can vary depending on the complexity of the works, the severity of the alleged damage, and how quickly each party responds to requests for information or access.

Expert Party Wall Dispute Resolution in London

If you’re facing a Party Wall disagreement, contact Hourican Associates on 020 8050 3232 for impartial advice and fast resolution, or request a free Party Wall dispute quote online. We resolve disputes across Chelsea, Fulham, Kensington, Chiswick, Westminster and throughout North, South, East and West London.

Request Dispute Resolution Advice

Hourican Associates is a Chartered Building Consultancy regulated by RICS, CIOB and MCABE, and a member of the FPWS and Pyramus & Thisbe Society. We provide Party Wall Notices, Awards, Schedules of Condition and dispute resolution services across all London boroughs.

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

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