Party Wall Advice for Owners of Properties in Highgate

A recent project on a 4-storey Victorian dwelling, set just to the north-east of Tufnell Park, involved demolition and reconstruction works which affected an adjoining owner under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

Notice was served under the Act to cover the foundations to a proposed wrap-around rear extension. On receiving the notice, the adjoining freeholder appointed one of our senior surveyors, Matthew Price. He was concerned by the proposed works as they had encountered some damage from neighbouring works some years prior which went unresolved.

To reassure them, Matthew informed them of their right under section 12 of the Party Wall Act to request security for expenses, meaning a pot of money would be set aside and could be accessed by the surveyors in the event of damage. The security sum was agreed between the surveyors and the project could then commence. Our appointing owner was happy with the overall process and commented that they had “… found [Matthew] to be helpful, reliable and efficient at all times”.

We were contacted by an adjoining owner from a leafy turning off Archway Road, regarding her concerns about her neighbour’s proposed works and dealing with an already difficult relationship between the two. Matthew Price was instructed as the named surveyor, with his colleague Katie Merchant dealing with the day to day matters.

We advised from the start that we can only deal with matters that are within our remit under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, such as the notifiable works to the rear extension. A detailed Schedule of Condition was recorded on the adjoining owners’ property which forms part of the agreed Party Wall Award. The Award was served shortly after and the adjoining owner commented in her review “Katie dealt with our party wall and was very helpful with any questions we had.”