The Most Common Question for Party Wall Surveyors London: Do I need a Party Wall Agreement?

Ever found yourself wondering, “Do I need a Party Wall Agreement?” You're not alone. Whether you're a seasoned property owner or a first-time buyer in London, understanding the ins and outs of party wall surveys is important. 

How does a Party Wall Dispute occur?

Picture this: you're sipping your morning coffee, and suddenly you hear your neighbour drilling into the wall you share. That's a party wall - the unsung hero of property boundaries. It's the dividing line between your cozy abode and your neighbour's, and both of you share responsibility for its upkeep.

Benefits of a Party Wall Survey

Now, you might be thinking, "Do I have to have a Party Wall Agreement?" Well, here's the gist of it:

1. Legal Protection: The Party Wall Act of 1996 isn't just bureaucratic legislation. It's a facilitative mechanism designed to protect you and your neighbours from potential disputes and damage.

2. Expert Advice: RICS registered surveyors are like the diplomats of the property world - neutral, knowledgeable, and focused on finding fair solutions.

3. Peace of Mind: knowing you've covered all bases before starting is worth its weight in gold.

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When do I need a Party Wall Agreement?

You might need to ring up a surveyor if you're planning to:

• Build a new wall on the boundary line
• Tinker with an existing party wall (think removing chimneys or adding support beams)
• Knock down and rebuild any shared walls
• Dig deep near your neighbour's foundations

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Serve London Party Wall Notice: Notifying Your Neighbours

Before you grab that sledgehammer, hold your horses! You've got to give your neighbours notice. Here's a quick rundown of the notices you might need to serve:

1. Line of Junction Notice: building a new boundary wall? Give 1 month's notice.

2. Party Structure Notice: working on an existing party wall? Give 2 months' notice.

3. Notice of Adjacent Excavation: digging below the foundations of your neighbour’s property? Give 1 month's notice if you're within 3-6 meters of your neighbour's structures.

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Who Pays for Party Wall Surveyor?

Generally, if you're the one wanting to make changes, you'll be covering the costs. This includes your neighbour's surveyor fees if the work benefits you. So, the building owner, the person carrying out the works, is the one who pays for everything.

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Why Choose Survey Merchant for Your Party Wall Survey?

We can organise experienced London party wall surveyors for you who may also have the relevant qualifications or accreditation you require. They can be Members of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors (FPWS) or Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), for example, which means they know their stuff. It's like having a Swiss Army knife of property expertise in your corner.

Helpful Tip: before you start serving notices, why not have a friendly chat with your neighbours? A cup of tea and an open conversation can go a long way in smoothing out the process.

Remember, party walls aren't just about bricks and mortar. They're about maintaining good relationships with your neighbours and protecting your property investment. So, next time you're planning a renovation, give a thought to those shared walls. Your future self (and your neighbours) will thank you.

Please read our description of party wall surveyor services to understand more about works under the Act. Do you still have questions about party wall agreement cost or need a party wall survey? Reach out to the experts via Survey Merchant. We have Party Wall London covered. Please complete the contact enquiry form and a member of the team will get back to you.