PETER BARRY ARE CHARTERED SURVEYORS SPECIALISNG IN PROPERTY SURVEYS AND PARTY WALL MATTERS
Our team of surveyors are passionate about inspecting properties in Harlow whether it be as part of a pre-purchase survey, to establish a property’s value or to prepare a schedule of condition prior to works commencing next door.
If you are planning a building project in Harlow you’ve probably started thinking about party wall procedures. The first step is to establish whether the works fall within the scope of the Act – if you’d like us to do that for you, free of charge, just send us copies of the drawings and we’ll normally come back to you within 24 hours. If you’re on the other side of the wall, we can also assist if you’ve decided that you need to appoint a surveyor or just need some initial advice without obligation.
We can also assist with managing the project or with a range of other surveying issues in Harlow including Licences for Alteration and leasehold valuations.
CONTACT US
If you require free advice or a quote in relation to a residential surveying matter in Harlow and the surrounding areas please contact us today.
WHAT IS THE PARTY WALL ACT?
The Party Wall Act covers 3 distinct areas of work; changes to an existing party structures, the construction of new walls at the boundary and excavation within 3 or 6 metres of a shared or adjoining structure. An owner proposing to undertake any such work (known as the “building owner”) is required to formally notify the owners of affected neighbouring properties.
If the owner of the neighbouring property (known as the “adjoining owner”) does not consent to the notice, a dispute arises and both parties must appoint a surveyor, or concur in the appointment of a single ‘agreed’ surveyor. The surveyors produce a document called a “party wall award”.
The award confirms the building owner’s right to undertake the work but only in a way that minimises the risk of damage and ensures that the occupants of the adjoining owner’s property do not suffer unnecessary inconvenience. As part of the process, the condition of the adjoining owner’s property is recorded so that if damage is reported either during or following the works, there is a prior record to check it against.
OUR CORE SERVICES
PROPERTY SURVEYS
& VALUATIONS
Our team of Chartered Surveyors have many years’ experience of inspecting properties. Whether the style or type of property you’re buying you’ll feel more confident armed with one of our survey reports.
PARTY WALL
ADVICE
Our experienced team of party wall surveyors are on hand to assist whether you’re planning additions or alterations to your property that fall within the scope of The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 or you’ve received a notice informing you of a neighbour’s proposed works.
LEASEHOLD
VALUATIONS
Whether you’re thinking of extending your lease or enfranchising the freehold of your building we are at hand to offer the advice you require. We have the necessary experience to accurately value properties and enter in to negotiations on your behalf.
OTHER
SERVICES
We cover all aspects of residential survey work including Specific Defect Reports, Snagging Lists and Reinstatement Cost Assessments. We have several RICS Registered Valuers on the team offering valuations for a range of purposes including tax planning and matrimonial proceedings.
PROPERTY SURVEYS
& VALUATIONS
About our Property Surveys
Peter Barry’s property surveys are carried out by independent RICS-qualified Chartered Surveyors to assess a residential property’s structural condition, general repair state and, where required, its market value. Their purpose is to identify defects, areas of concern and provide professional recommendations to help buyers make informed decisions. Reports can highlight remedial work, assist in negotiating price reductions, or offer peace of mind if no major issues are found.
Types of Surveys Offered
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) classifies surveys into levels:
LEVEL 2 HOME SURVEY – a cost-effective mid-level report (formerly HomeBuyer Report). It evaluates the property’s condition inside/outside using a traffic-light system and can include valuation and reinstatement cost assessments.
LEVEL 3 HOME SURVEY – a detailed report (formerly Full Structural or Building Survey). It not only lists visible defects but also considers potential hidden issues and outlines repair options, with optional cost estimates.
We also offer SPECIFIC DEFECT REPORTS which are bespoke investigations focused on particular problems.
Standalone valuation reports are also available for purposes like tax planning, matrimonial proceedings or staircasing shared ownership properties.
Costs & Process
Survey costs vary by property size, value and survey level. Level 2 reports start from around £600 and Level 3 from £900 but quotes are tailored to individual cases. Surveys are usually commissioned by the buyer between offer acceptance and contract exchange.
Why Choose Peter Barry
The firm is RICS-regulated, with experienced surveyors across multiple London offices, competitive fees and comprehensive service backed by numerous positive client reviews.
PARTY WALL
ADVICE
Overview of our Party Wall Services
Our team of RICS-qualified surveyors, assistant surveyors and administrators provide specialist party wall surveyor services, helping homeowners and adjoining owners navigate the requirements of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
What the Party Wall Act Covers
The Party Wall Act applies to building works that have the potential to affect shared or adjoining structures and is designed to protect neighbouring properties while allowing construction to proceed lawfully. It typically applies to:
- New walls built up to or astride a property boundary.
- Work directly affecting party structures such as inserting beams as part of a loft conversion, removing chimney breasts or repairing a shared garden wall.
- Excavation within 3.0m of a neighbouring or shared structure that is deeper than the base of the foundations to that structure.
When works fall under the Act, affected owners must be formally notified. If the neighbour dissents, surveyors must be appointed to resolve the dispute by agreeing a party wall award.
Party Wall Procedures
The typical process includes:
- Serving the required notices to neighbours.
- Monitoring responses – if there is a dissent, surveyors are appointed to resolve the dispute.
- Schedule of condition – a record of the condition of the adjoining property prior to the works.
- Agreeing the party wall award – the document that resolves the dispute.
- Further input from the appointed surveyor(s) should a dispute arise either during or following the works.
Costs and Getting a Quote
Peter Barry offers free, no-obligation advice and quotes for building owners tailored to the specifics of the proposed works when you submit your drawings.
LEASEHOLD
VALUATIONS
Leasehold Valuations
Peter Barry provides expert leasehold valuation and negotiation services to help flat owners extend their leases or purchase the freehold of their building. Our valuations are carried out by RICS-registered valuers and Chartered Surveyors with extensive experience, from individual flats to large residential blocks. We focus on giving clear advice that helps you understand your options and make confident decisions.
How We Can Help
We specialise in valuations and negotiations under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993, which gives qualifying leaseholders the legal right to extend their lease or collectively buy the freehold. We can also advise on informal negotiations with freeholders where appropriate, helping you explore the most cost-effective route. These are the typical steps:
- Accurate valuation of the premium payable
- Negotiation with the freeholder’s surveyor
- Ongoing advice throughout the process
- Support if the matter proceeds to the First-Tier Tribunal
We also offer an online lease extension calculator to provide an initial estimate of likely costs.
Lease Extensions and Freehold Purchases
A statutory lease extension adds 90 years to your existing lease and reduces ground rent to a peppercorn (zero), often increasing the property’s value and mortgageability. Where multiple leaseholders are involved, we can also assist with collective enfranchisement, enabling you to buy the freehold together.
Our Approach
Once instructed, we prepare a detailed valuation report, usually within a few working days, and liaise closely with your solicitor to progress the matter efficiently. Our goal is always to achieve the best possible outcome while keeping costs proportionate.
OTHER
SERVICES
Other Residential Surveying Services
Peter Barry offers a broad range of residential surveying services designed to support homeowners, buyers, leaseholders and landlords with expert advice and professional assessments. Our services are delivered by experienced, RICS‑regulated Chartered Surveyors who provide clear guidance tailored to each client’s needs.
Licence to Alter (LTA) Services
When you plan structural or material changes to a flat or house that require a landlord’s consent, Peter Barry can assist with the Licence to Alter process. This includes reviewing proposals, helping solicitors draft appropriate documentation, preparing schedules of condition, and inspecting works as they progress and upon completion, ensuring compliance and protecting your interests.
Insurance Reinstatement Valuations
Insurers often require an accurate reinstatement cost valuation to set appropriate cover levels. Peter Barry’s surveyors calculate the rebuild cost of a property from scratch using current construction cost data, ensuring you have the right level of insurance protection.
Access and Licence Services
For work that requires access over neighbouring land (such as scaffolding or crane oversails), Peter Barry can prepare a scaffold licence. These documents cover key practical details like safety, working hours and professional fees, helping secure legally sound access rights.
Snagging and Outstanding Works Lists
On newly built or recently refurbished homes, Peter Barry can prepare a schedules of outstanding works (often referred to as a ‘snagging list’) to record defects and items that should be completed before purchase. We can also carry out follow‑up inspections before completion to confirm satisfactory rectification.
CONTACT US
If you require free advice or a quote in relation to a residential surveying matter in Harlow and the surrounding areas please contact us today.
HARLOW
In the heart of Essex, Harlow lies conveniently between Bishop’s Stortford to the north and Brentwood to the southeast. With its proximity to the M11 and excellent rail links to London Liverpool Street and Cambridge, Harlow provides effortless access for commuters and explorers.
Harlow is home to a treasure trove of attractions, beginning with Harlow Pets Corner, a beloved family-friendly spot featuring a variety of animals and hands-on experiences for all ages. Adjacent to it is Harlow Town Park, a sprawling green space that houses five unique gardens, each offering a distinct horticultural delight. This area is perfect for leisurely strolls or more active pursuits.
The Harlow Playhouse hosts a mix of theatre, music, and comedy. For history enthusiasts, Harlow Museum and its charming Walled Gardens provide a glimpse into the area’s rich heritage.
Art lovers will appreciate Harlow’s sculpture trail consisting of over 100 pieces by artists such as Auguste Rodin, Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. The Gibberd Garden and Gibberd Rooms are open to the public from April into October housing an extraordinary collection of modern sculptures and architectural pieces.
Victoria Beckham was born in the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, the late Rik Mayall was also born in the area.
YOUR LOCAL PETER BARRY OFFICE
Northgate End
Bishop’s Stortford
Hertfordshire
CM23 2ES
Telephone: 01279 709 006
Email: surveying@peterbarry.co.uk
meet your local team
Katie joined the Peter Barry team in January 2016 and has progressed within the company to Surveyor.
She is now a key member of the party wall and leasehold valuation teams. Katie deals with party wall matters, from site inspections to finalising party wall awards to reviewing lease documents and carrying out the initial investigation on leasehold valuations.
Outside of work Katie is dedicated to her family.
Justin has been a Chartered Surveyor for 15 years. He joined the Peter Barry team as a consultant in 2023 and covers an area extending from North/East London to Ipswich from his base in Chelmsford.
He specialises in RICS Home Surveys, undertaking both Level 2 and 3 reports, and is also an experienced RICS Registered Valuer.
Maianh joined the Peter Barry team in March 2025. She graduated with an architectural technology degree in 2021 and brings 3 years of experience in architecture from her previous role at another company. She decided to explore a new avenue and work in surveying to expand on her knowledge.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, going to concerts and travelling to new places.
CONTACT US
If you require free advice or a quote in relation to a residential surveying matter in Harlow and the surrounding areas please contact us today.
