PETER BARRY ARE CHARTERED SURVEYORS SPECIALISING IN PROPERTY SURVEYS AND PARTY WALL MATTERS

Based at our offices in Kensington, our team of RICS Regulated surveyors can arrange a survey or provide party wall advice relating to homes in the Central London area.

Whether you’re buying a mews property, a flat over a shop or a stylish apartment in one of Central London’s high-rise blocks, we have the necessary experience and expertise to assist. We offer both RICS Level 2 Home Surveys and RICS Level 3 Home Surveys (previously known as Homebuyer and Building Surveys) and will be happy to provide a competitive quote and advice relating to either.

If there’s an issue with a property that you already own, our surveyors can prepare a bespoke report and advise on the best repair method. Our reports will provide all the information you need to approach potential contractors with confidence.

We also have a dedicated team of party wall surveyors who are ready to advise whether you are preparing for a building project or have been notified of building works by your neighbours.

Other specialist areas include valuations for lease extensions and freehold enfranchisement, project management and matters relating to access such as scaffold and hoarding licences.

CONTACT US

If you require free advice or a quote in relation to a residential surveying matter in Central London please contact us today.

WHAT IS THE PARTY WALL ACT?

Preparing party wall notices and agreeing party wall awards is a particular area of expertise.

If you’re planning to extend or alter your property we can review the plans, identify the relevant adjoining owners and prepare the necessary party wall notices. Where a ‘dispute’ arises, we will act on your behalf and agree a party wall award to allow the work to progress.

Our team are experienced in dealing with all works falling within the scope of the party wall act including extensions, loft conversions, underpinning and the removal of chimney breasts from a party wall.

Conversely, if you have been served notice by your neighbour and are concerned about the impact of the works, one of our surveyors will put an award in place that ensures matters progress with the minimum degree of risk and without causing you unnecessary inconvenience. The preparation of a detailed schedule of condition covering the parts of your property which are at risk from the works is an important part of the process and one that our team are well versed in.

EXPLORE OUR SERVICES

Our team of Chartered Surveyors have many years’ experience of inspecting properties. Whatever the style or type of property you’re buying you’ll feel more confident armed with one of our survey reports.

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.

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.

Our Project Management team provide bespoke professional services in assisting our clients to manage the process of design, planning, procuring and overseeing construction works for a variety of types of building.

We cover all aspects of residential survey work including Specific Defect Reports, Snagging Lists and Reinstatement Cost Assessments. We have several Registered Valuers on the team offering valuations for a range of purposes including tax planning and matrimonial proceedings.

RECENT ACTIVITY IN CENTRAL LONDON

The owner of a basement flat within a row of four storey Victorian townhouses in the centre of Notting Hill Gate contacted Peter Barry Surveyors for assistance in relation to the preparation and service of party wall notices. One of our Assistant Surveyors, Callum Escott, ran day-to-day matters on the file.

As the works taking place fell within the scope of Section 6 of the Act in respect of the excavation and casting of piled foundations, coupled with the fact that the neighbouring premises had been divided into several flats, multiple adjoining owners had to be notified.

Upon receipt of the notices, a number of adjoining owners opted to appoint their own surveyor. Callum worked with the numerous parties extensively to ensure that the works commenced on time, whilst also keeping the associated fees to a minimum by anticipating the issues that would come up.

Upon conclusion of the party wall awards, the building owner expressed his satisfaction with Callum’s input online stating that he “could not have better things to say”.

READ THE FULL REVIEW

Kensington, W8, which they were considering purchasing. During the inspection, our surveyor observed that the property, originally constructed between 1920-1930, featured several dated elements. Condensation was noted around the windows, and it was recommended that the mastic seals be replaced to improve this issue. The client had particular concerns about the balcony area, which were discussed in a call with the surveyor. Upon inspection, the surveyor found the balcony to have a solid structure, though the rendering was worn and might require renewal if the client chose to address it. It was also suggested to verify when the last lateral load test was conducted and to arrange for one if no record could be found.

The client left a positive review, highlighting our “professional yet friendly service” and commending the efficient communication she experienced with both the surveyor and the wider team.

READ THE FULL REVIEW

Our surveyor, David Breeze, undertook an RICS Level 2 Homebuyer survey for a client looking to purchase a 1-bedroom flat in Whitehall, SW1. The client expressed that her main concern was the roof, so David used a drone to capture photos, which revealed ponding on the flat roof caused by inadequate drainage due to the roof lacking sufficient pitch. He also identified a blockage in the gutters that needed clearing. Inside the flat, the property was generally in good condition, though one wall had high condensation levels. David clarified that this was due to the presence of a pet tortoise, which required moisture, rather than a defect. He advised the client to check the service documentation for the gas and heating systems and offered to discuss the findings further over the phone.

In her review, the client highly recommended Peter Barry and praised the team for being “helpful and responsive.”

READ THE FULL REVIEW

CONTACT US

If you require free advice or a quote in relation to a residential surveying matter in Central London please contact us today.

LONDON’S CENTRAL AREA

Imagine stepping out of your front door and having a choice of literally hundreds of bars and restaurants all within walking distance; just one of the luxuries of living in Central London. Add in the West End’s theatres and you’ll never be stuck for something to do.

“Central London” is not specifically defined but is generally thought to extend from Marble Arch in the west across to Aldgate in the east and from Kings Cross down to Vauxhall. Some of the more residential parts are to the south of the City in areas like Southwark, Pimlico, Borough, South Bank and Shad Thames.

If you’ve decided that Central London is the place to live and found the perfect property to buy, our team of Chartered Surveyors will be happy to help you with that important next step.

YOUR LOCAL PETER BARRY OFFICE

Vicarage House,
58-60 Kensington Church Street,
Kensington,
London
W8 4DB

Telephone: 020 7183 2578
Email: surveying@peterbarry.co.uk

CONTACT US

If you require free advice or a quote in relation to a residential surveying matter in Central London please contact us today.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Excellent

Excellent
4.7
Based on 136 reviews
Chuyi Yi
Administrator Joanne was super quick to get me into their system and assigned Surveyor, David Breeze. David is delightful, wonderful, knowledgable, even helpful after surveying the property to assist me with outstanding tasks to make sure I was comfortable and understood the reports.
Response from the owner:We are pleased to hear that you were so satisfied with the service you received from David.
Melanie Marshall
In February 2025, my roof and loft space were surveyed by Mr Shaun Blake , the correct title for my query was to have a report on a “specific defect report in respect of the nature and condition of the roof coverings, roof light and associated roof structure “.
He was completely professional and put me at ease with his manner and if I needed to ask him any questions he was very clear and extremely helpful. Any house query can be very stressful at times, but this experience was good. The report was very detailed with photographs attached that he had taken on the inspection. I would recommend the Peter Barry Chartered Surveyors … ( the South Woodford branch ) they have put my mind at ease with a very stressful situation, but more importantly, I wholeheartedly recommend Mr Shaun Blake .
Melanie Marshall
Response from the owner:We are pleased to hear how satisfied you were with the service you received from Shaun.
Zhen
We used Peter Barry Surveyors for a party wall agreement for some works. All went smoothly. Clear detailed reports produced and a party wall agreement awarded. We worked with Joanne & David B who were very helpful and easy to communicate with.

David came to do the survey on the day and was on time (even early) and polite. He answered all the questions I had and took plentiful photos. He also took off his shoes inside without prompting (small things!)

Thanks for all your help!
Response from the owner:We really appreciate your feedback, and we will share your comments with Joanne and David.
Natalie Ter
I had a very good experience with Peter Barry Surveyors. Shaun was very helpful, and we also had a phone call to go through the main issues with the house that should be addressed. I appreciated the way the report was written—it was well-structured, detailed, and easy to understand. It also included an order of priorities, which I found particularly useful. Additionally, I liked that it contained suggestions on how to fix the issues. Many thanks!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your positive feedback! We're thrilled to hear that Shaun was helpful and that you found our report well-structured and easy to understand. We look forward to assisting you again!
Bon
Great
Response from the owner:Thank you.
Hasan Mustafa
Professional, timely and helpful
Response from the owner:Thank you!
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AREAS COVERED

We cover Central London from our offices in Kensington including the areas noted below.

I had a really positive experience with Shaun Blake at Peter Barry. The survey was very thorough and Shaun was on hand to answer several follow-up questions I hand. I would recommend them to anyone.
Requested a level 2 survey with Peter Barry and was very happy with the service, the survey goes above and beyond what I have experienced before and gave a very thorough breakdown of the risks and what next steps both I and the solicitor should take. I highly recommend going with them!
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience working with Peter Barry Surveyors.
I’m using them to help with lease extension and provide valuation, survey and advise on same. Still in the process, but they have very quick, efficient, professional and also helpful to date.
Lease extension is a tricky process so having them deal with this efficiently and provide clarity has been so welcome.
Response from the owner:We are pleased to hear how useful you have found our service.
Peter Barry offers an efficient and effective service. Helpful advice on various levels of homebuyers reports. It was so helpful to be able to talk things through with David Breeze. Recommended.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your recommendation Mr Greenwood.
Administrator Joanne was super quick to get me into their system and assigned Surveyor, David Breeze. David is delightful, wonderful, knowledgable, even helpful after surveying the property to assist me with outstanding tasks to make sure I was comfortable and understood the reports.
Response from the owner:We are pleased to hear that you were so satisfied with the service you received from David.
Excellent customer service.
Jaynell was extremely helpful and David Breeze provided us with a very comprehensive and detailed report.
We welcomed the opportunity to speak with him before and after the survey. He answered all our questions and addressed our concerns by recommending possible solutions. I have already recommended him and all at Peter Barry.
Thank you for a very positive customer experience.
Response from the owner:We appreciate your recommendation & positive feedback, thank you.
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