WHEN DOES THE PARTY WALL ACT APPLY?

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies when building works may affect a shared wall or boundary. It protects both the person doing the work (the building owner) and the affected neighbour (the adjoining owner).

You’ll likely need a party wall surveyor if the works involve:

  • Modifying a shared wall or structure – like chimney breast removal, installing steel beams, or converting a loft
  • Excavating within 3 metres of another building – common with rear extensions or basements
  • Building up to or astride a boundary – like a new garden wall or side extension

These projects are frequent in Wandsworth, especially in areas like Putney and Balham. 

Whether you’re planning the works or responding to a notice, our party wall surveyors can help you understand your rights and responsibilities.

CONTACT US

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

EMAIL US
Or Call 020 7471 8932
party wall

Why Building Owners in Wandsworth Choose Us?

For building owners, seeking early advice from a qualified RICS surveyor helps reduce misunderstandings and avoid unnecessary costs. If a notice you serve results in a dispute, a surveyor can then be formally appointed to manage the process.

Here’s how we can help:

  • Draft and serve legally compliant party wall notices
  • Advise on reducing the risk of neighbour objections
  • Manage the award process if a dispute arises
PartyWallQuestions

Worried About a Party Wall Notice You’ve Received in Wandsworth?

If you’re an adjoining owner and have received a party wall notice, you have three options:

  1. Consent to the works
  2. Dissent and use the same surveyor as your neighbour
  3. Dissent and appoint your own surveyor

We can help you assess the risks and protect your property. 

In older homes – especially around Clapham Junction and Earlsfield – even minor construction can cause cracks or disruption. 

A schedule of Condition gives you peace of mind should damage occur.

Our Other Services in South West London

RICS Homebuyer Survey

Designed by the RICS as a cost-effective method of minimising risk, the HomeBuyer Report (or Level 2 Survey) is designed to provide buyers with enough information to make a reasoned and informed decision on whether to proceed with their purchase.

Residential Building Survey

A Building Survey is categorised by the RICS as a Level 3 survey i.e. the most detailed type of survey available. It not only describes the visible defects but considers potential problems caused by hidden flaws and provides an outline of repair options and the likely consequences of inactivity.

Leasehold valuations

Our surveyors have extensive experience of valuing for lease extension and freehold purchases from small studios to blocks with tens of flats.

Property valuations

All of Peter Barry’s Chartered Surveyors who undertake Red Book work are also Registered Valuers and are experienced in a variety of valuation fields. We pride ourselves on our professional approach based on consistency, objectivity and transparency.

Building project management and consultancy

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.

OUR RECENT PROJECTS IN WANDSWORTH

– Loft extension with steel supports – Magdalen Road, Earlsfield

– Deep excavation for rear extension –  Southfields

– Structural works to flats –  Battersea Reach

Every property is different. So is every case. Our local knowledge helps us resolve disputes quickly and fairly.

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You can also find us on Trustpilot

You can read further reviews from our clients in and around Party Wall Surveyor Wandsworth on our Google Business page

CONTACT US

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

EMAIL US
Or Call 020 7471 8932

BEST PARTY WALL SURVEYOR NEAR YOU IN SOUTH WEST LONDON

We operate across South West London, including Wandsworth, from our local office in Fulham. Use the map below to find us or get directions.

YOUR LOCAL PETER BARRY OFFICE

New Kings House
136-144 New Kings Road
Fulham
London
SW6 4LZ

Telephone: 020 7471 8932
Email: surveying@peterbarry.co.uk

AREAS WE COVER IN SOUTH WEST LONDON

We cover the south-west of London from our office at New Kings House, 136-144 New Kings Road, Fulham including the areas noted below.

Party Wall Frequently Asked Questions

Why Wandsworth Residents Trust Peter Barry?

– Over 40 years of experience with party wall matters in London
– Chartered Surveyors regulated by RICS
– Deep knowledge of local property types – from Victorian homes to new builds
– Transparent, responsive service

What is a Party Wall?

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 came into force on 1st July 1997 and is now enshrined in English law. It stipulates the rights and responsibilities that must be observed for anyone planning to work falling within its scope. Read more about the Act here.

What is a Party Wall Agreement?

For surveyors who undertake this form of work day in day out, it can be easy to assume that there is good general understanding as to what a party wall award includes and entails. That assumption is regularly proven wrong when our team is speaking to potential clients and detailing the 3 response options to the notices. Learn about party wall agreements here.

When Do You Need a Party Wall Agreement?

Completing the party wall awards is often the last part of the jigsaw required to allow work to commence on site and the process which leads up to that point can be delayed for any number of reasons; from technical queries relating to the proposed works to the appointed surveyors’ holiday arrangements. It’s therefore advisable to get started as soon as possible but when is the perfect time to start the process by serving notice?

Can Neighbours Refuse Party Wall Agreement?

It is not uncommon to discover that your neighbour has gone ahead with building works that technically fall under party wall legislation. Indeed, at Peter Barry Surveyors, we are used to getting two or three phone calls a week from Adjoining Owners whose neighbours are carrying out qualifying works without having served notice as legally required by the Party Wall Act. Click here to learn what to do when your neighbour ignores the Party Wall Act.

Ajoy Dua
We received excellent service from surveyor Jaynell Mainoo to complete a Party Wall Agreement. Jaynell was thorough, professional and friendly. Many thanks!
Tina W
Professional but friendly staff assisted me in getting a party wall award sorted with my neighbours. Efficiently completed in time.
Albert Smith
My party wall request was dealt with very quickly and all documents are now in place. Very professional attention and service.
tony besgrove
Our surveyor, James, arrived at the house at the appointed time and was most helpful in explaining the details of the party wall agreement. He later sent the completed document as promised. Most efficient and friendly service throughout.
Claudette “CeeBee” Bradshaw
Rachel Fay
I was put at ease by the professional way In which this survey was conducted I highly recommend Peter Barry All aspects were considered my home Was examined for any potential problems That may be caused by the works being Carried out by the neighbouring property . Photos were skilfully recorded and a Drone was used to take pictures of the roof . Peter Barry Surveyor truly did a fantastic Job acting in a professional manner at all Times . And showing respect for my home And security and I can only prise them , Many Thanks Rachel
Response from the owner:Thank you, Rachel, for your lovely review. We’re really pleased to hear the survey put you at ease and that the team’s thorough approach — including the detailed photos and drone imagery — helped you feel fully protected. Your kind words about the surveyor’s professionalism and respect for your home mean a great deal.
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