When Should You Hire a Party Wall Surveyor?
Before carrying out certain works, the building owner is required by law to serve notice on adjoining owners under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. These works fall into three main categories:
Work on a party wall, such as inserting steel beams, removing chimney breasts, or increasing wall height.
Excavations within 3 or 6 metres of a neighbouring structure, e.g., for basements or extensions.
Construction of a new wall at or near the boundary between two properties.
How Our Party Wall Surveyors in North London Can Help
Once notices have been served, the adjoining owner's response determines the next steps. We assist building and adjoining owners alike:
For Building Owners
Adjoining owners can:
- Consent to the works
- Dissent and appoint your surveyor (agreed surveyor)
- Dissent and appoint their own surveyor
By engaging us early, you improve the chances of obtaining consent and limiting surveyor costs. We often recommend offering to cover a schedule of condition to reassure neighbours.
For Adjoining Owners
Your response will depend on your concerns. We help protect your property through:
- Detailed schedule of condition
- Review of proposed works and legal rights
- Negotiation of fair working practices and protections
Our impartial team will act in your best interest while maintaining positive neighbourly relations.
Resolving Party Wall Disputes
If notice is dissented to, a statutory dispute arises. The appointed surveyors must act impartially to produce a Party Wall Award. This outlines:
- The works permitted and their limits
- Access arrangements
- Working hours and safety measures
- Provisions for property protection and damage resolution
We act swiftly to keep your project compliant and moving forward.
How Much Does a Party Wall Survey Cost in North London?
We aim for transparent and fair pricing. Our typical charges include:
- Party Wall Notice service: £65 + VAT per neighbour
- Schedule of Condition: £450–£650 + VAT depending on property size
- Dispute resolution fees (Party Wall Award): based on hourly rate, usually covered by the building owner
Send us your plans and we'll provide a tailored fixed quote covering all foreseeable costs.
What Is the Party Wall Act?
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 ensures that construction work near shared boundaries does not adversely impact adjoining owners. It defines legal procedures for notifying neighbours, resolving disagreements, and protecting both parties' rights during works.
Whether you're planning a loft conversion, basement, or extension, understanding this Act is essential for compliance and smooth project delivery.
North London Party Wall FAQs
A party wall is a shared structure between two adjoining properties—common in North London terraces and semi-detached homes. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 governs work affecting such walls, garden walls, and excavations near neighbouring buildings.
You’ll need a Party Wall Agreement for works involving shared or boundary walls, or for excavations close to neighbouring structures—typical in projects across Highbury, Muswell Hill, and Finchley. Notices must be served at least two months before works begin.
If your neighbour dissents, each party appoints a surveyor (or agrees on one jointly). Our North London Party Wall Surveyors will then prepare a legally binding Party Wall Award outlining how the works should proceed and how to protect all parties involved.
The process typically takes 4–6 weeks from serving notice to issuing the Party Wall Award. In areas like Camden or Stoke Newington, timelines may vary depending on neighbour response and project complexity—so we always advise starting early.
We recently managed party wall matters for a basement excavation in Hampstead and a rear extension in Highbury. Both involved serving multiple notices and preparing robust Awards to mitigate risk for adjoining owners.
Our surveyors also handled complex residential refurbishments in Crouch End and Stoke Newington, ensuring full compliance through detailed condition schedules and negotiated agreements to facilitate timely construction starts.
Recent Projects in North London
Our team recently concluded party wall matters for a basement excavation in Hampstead and a rear extension in Highbury. Both required careful coordination with multiple adjoining owners and the drafting of robust Party Wall Awards to minimise risk and disruption.
N5 Highbury
Islington
Party wall survey
Islington North London
N6 Highgate
Haringey
Party wall survey
Haringey North London
NW3, Hampstead
Camden
Party wall survey
Camden North London
We’ve also overseen large-scale residential refurbishments in Crouch End and Stoke Newington, where detailed schedules of condition and negotiated agreements ensured smooth project execution.
Why Choose Hourican Associates?
We are specialist regulated Party Wall surveyors and will always ensure our clients' interests are protected during building works.
Decades of Experience
We’ve handled thousands of party wall matters across North London and Greater London.
Qualified & Regulated
Fully qualified and regulated by RICS, FPWS, CIOB & MCABE for total peace of mind.
Clear
Fixed Fees
Transparent pricing and tailored quotations with no hidden charges.
Fast
Response
We understand timelines. Expect prompt service and clear communication at every step.
Friendly
Experts
We’re approachable professionals dedicated to safeguarding your property rights.
Contact a Party Wall Surveyor in North London
Whether you're a homeowner, developer or neighbour concerned about nearby works, Hourican Associates are here to help. We provide no-obligation advice and fixed fee quotations.