Party Wall Survey for Boundary Walls (Section 1 Notice) in London
Planning to build a new wall on or near your property boundary? You may need to serve a Section 1 (Line of Junction) Party Wall Notice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 . Hourican Associates specialises in boundary wall Party Wall matters, ensuring your project is legally compliant, neighbourly and ready to start without unnecessary delay.
When Does Section 1 of the Party Wall Act Apply?
Section 1 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 , often referred to as the Line of Junction Notice, applies where a building owner intends to construct a new wall at or near the boundary with an adjoining property. You will usually need to serve a Section 1 Notice if you plan to:
- Build a new wall astride the boundary line (half on each owner’s land); or
- Build a new wall up to the boundary line but entirely on your own land.
Typical examples include:
- Building a new boundary wall for an extension or garden
- Constructing a garage, outbuilding or side return against a shared boundary
- Replacing or rebuilding a dilapidated wall on or adjacent to the property line
If your works fall into any of these categories, the law requires you to serve a Section 1 Notice on your adjoining owner(s) at least one month before construction begins. Our article When do I need a Party Wall Agreement? provides a useful overview of when different types of Party Wall Notices are required.
At Hourican Associates, our Chartered Party Wall Surveyors in London handle every aspect of the process — from assessing whether Section 1 applies to serving Notices and agreeing Party Wall Awards where required.
What Happens After a Section 1 Notice is Served?
Once a valid Section 1 Notice has been served, your neighbour (the adjoining owner) has three options:
- Consent – They consent in writing and the works can proceed as set out in the notice.
- Dissent and Appoint a Surveyor – They dissent and appoint a Party Wall Surveyor, or both parties agree on a single Agreed Surveyor to prepare a Party Wall Award.
- Ignore the Notice – If there is no response within 14 days, this is treated as a dissent and surveyors must be appointed to agree an Award.
Our surveyors manage this process efficiently, ensuring all notices, documentation and inspections are handled correctly and in line with the Act. Where required, we prepare a Party Wall Award to regulate the construction of the boundary wall and avoid disputes. For more on how disagreements are resolved, see Party Wall disputes – expert resolution services .
Our Party Wall Survey Process for Boundary Walls
Hourican Associates provides a complete Section 1 Party Wall service for boundary wall and line of junction projects across London.
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Assessment of Proposed Works
We review your drawings, Land Registry plans and proposals to confirm whether a Section 1 Notice is required and identify all affected adjoining owners. We also advise on any linked Party Structure Notices (Section 2) or excavation notices under Section 6 if your project also includes structural or foundation works. -
Preparation and Service of Party Wall Notices
We draft and serve valid Section 1 Party Wall Notices to all adjoining owners, ensuring they comply with the Act and clearly explain the proposal, boundary line and wall position. -
Schedule of Condition Survey
Before construction begins, we carry out a detailed Schedule of Condition Survey of the adjoining property, including photographs and written notes. This record protects both parties and helps prevent disputes about alleged damage later on. -
Preparation of the Party Wall Award
Where required, we prepare and agree a legally binding Party Wall Award. This sets out how the boundary wall will be built — including location, construction details, access, working hours, protection measures and damage/repair procedures. -
Ongoing Advice & Follow-Up
We provide clear guidance throughout the construction phase and can carry out follow-up inspections or damage assessments if needed, helping to maintain good relations between you and your neighbours.
Why Boundary Walls Require Professional Party Wall Surveying
Boundary walls are a frequent source of disagreement — especially in densely built London streets where space is tight and legal boundaries can be complex. Disputes often arise over ownership, construction rights, access, and responsibility for repairs.
Our Chartered Party Wall Surveyors help avoid conflict by:
- Ensuring the correct Party Wall Notices are served at the right time
- Clarifying who owns or contributes to the boundary wall
- Agreeing fair construction methods and precise boundary placement
- Recording existing conditions via a Schedule of Condition Survey
- Resolving disagreements through a clear, legally binding Party Wall Award
We provide peace of mind for both homeowners and neighbours, ensuring your boundary wall project is legally sound and genuinely neighbourly. Our article Understanding Party Wall issues and how surveyors save you thousands explains how early professional advice can protect your budget and timelines.
Typical Costs for Boundary Wall (Section 1) Party Wall Surveys
Our Party Wall Survey service for boundary walls and Section 1 Notices typically ranges from £1,100 – £1,500 + VAT, depending on the property type and the number of adjoining owners.
Schedule of Condition Surveys usually range from £385 – £585 + VAT. All fees are fixed and confirmed in writing before we begin, with no hidden charges. You can request an indicative fee via our online Party Wall surveyor quote form.
In most cases, the Building Owner (the person carrying out the works) is responsible for the reasonable Party Wall Surveyor’s costs. More information is available on our Building Owner Party Wall information page.
Why Choose Hourican Associates for Section 1 Boundary Wall Surveys
Hourican Associates is a specialist Chartered Building Consultancy focused on Party Wall matters throughout London. We routinely advise on Section 1, 2 and 6 Notices for homeowners, developers and their professional teams.
- Chartered Building Consultancy regulated by RICS, CIOB and MCABE
- Members of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors (FPWS) and the Pyramus & Thisbe Society
- Specialists in all Party Wall matters — Section 1, 2 and 6 Notices
- Fast, accurate and fully compliant service across London
- Transparent pricing and clear communication from start to finish
We combine technical expertise with practical, real-world understanding of London properties and neighbour dynamics. Whether you are a building owner or an adjoining owner, we can guide you through your rights and responsibilities under the Act. For more general Q&A, visit our Party Wall FAQs.
We regularly act as Party Wall Surveyors on boundary wall projects in Chelsea, Kensington, Fulham, Chiswick, Westminster and all areas across London.