party wall surveyor

Synergy act as Chartered Party Wall Surveyors for either Building Owner or Adjoining Owner, there is more detail below, do get in touch about your Party Wall matters.

If your planned works fall under the Act, early communication between neighbours is essential. 

We can act fast and assess and serve notices for building owners under taking building and repair work.

We can act on your notice served, and acknowledgment reply for adjoining owners.

Be careful as anyone can act as a party wall surveyor or organisation touting for this work, we are RICS accredited Chartered Building Surveyors and trained in party walls.

Why You Need Party Wall Advice
A party wall is a shared structure (wall, fence, or other) that divides adjoining properties, often on a boundary. Both parties typically benefit from the use of this shared wall. If you plan any work to or near a party wall—whether it’s building on it, repairing it, altering its height or structure, or even working within 6 meters of it—The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies.

Examples of works that may require Party Wall agreements include:

• Building or extending on or near the wall or at boundaries ( inc room in the roof)
• Repairing, lowering, raising, or cutting into the party wall
• Demolishing or exposing the wall

Generally, costs of the party wall process are paid for by the Building Owner (the party instigating the work / process) but if both parties take benefit from the works, the costs are then attributed fairly to both owners (building owner and adjoining owners as defined under the act). 

If you share a structure, you will both have an obligation to keep it in repair and as such share that responsibility and those costs.

As a Building Owner (the party initiating the works), we guide you through the entire Party Wall process. Our services include:

• Ownership Verification: We confirm the ownership of neighbouring properties through Land Registry to ensure the correct parties are notified.
• Review of Plans: We assess your proposed works, design documents, and any defects related to the project.
• Notice Preparation & Service: We prepare and serve the required Party Wall notices to your neighbours as mandated by the Act.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Once notices are served, we continue to monitor the process, ensuring that your works progress smoothly and that any required repairs to the shared structure are managed.
• Resolution of Disputes: If disputes arise with your neighbour, we facilitate discussions and negotiations to resolve any issues, liaising with the adjoining owner’s surveyor (if appointed). We also prepare a Schedule of Condition and work to draft a Party Wall Award outlining rights and obligations.
• Project Closure: We oversee the closure of the process once the works are completed, ensuring all aspects are concluded satisfactorily.

Note: In terraced and semi-detached properties, party walls are common, but detached buildings may also fall under the Act if the works extend or excavate within 6 meters of another property.

As an Adjoining Owner (the neighbour of the Building Owner), we represent your interests throughout the Party Wall process. Our services include:

• Notice Review & Advice: If your neighbour has served a notice, we’ll review it and discuss the proposed works. If no notice has been served, we will guide you on the next steps.
• Cost Advice: We provide a clear explanation of the costs involved in representing you and ensuring your rights are protected.
• Dispute Resolution: If disagreements arise, we assist in resolving the matter through the proper procedures defined in the Act. We liaise with the building owner’s surveyor, jointly prepare a Schedule of Condition, and help reach an agreement on a Party Wall Award.
• Protecting Your Interests: We protect your rights, particularly in cases involving riskier works like basement excavations. We can also arrange for Security of Expenses to safeguard against potential damages or insolvency.
• Ongoing Support: Throughout the process, we will be on hand to address any issues that arise and ensure your interests are maintained up to the conclusion of the works.
• 
  

Note: If the work solely benefits the Building Owner, the associated costs for the Adjoining Owner’s surveyor will typically be covered by the Building Owner.

If both the Building Owner and Adjoining Owner agree, we can act as an Agreed Surveyor to resolve the Party Wall matter. This arrangement is a cost-effective solution, as we work impartially to achieve a fair and balanced agreement that meets the needs of both parties.

In cases where the Building Owner and Adjoining Owner have appointed separate surveyors and cannot reach an agreement, a Third Surveyor is appointed. The third surveyor acts as an impartial mediator to resolve the dispute.

If one party’s appointed surveyor fails to act within 10 days of being notified, we can act Ex Parte to ensure the Party Wall process continues smoothly. Additionally, all Party Wall Awards can be appealed within a specified time frame, providing a safeguard for parties who believe their interests have not been properly represented.