When planning a home extension, renovating a commercial building, or developing a brand-new housing estate, it’s important to retain positive relationships with neighbouring properties and landowners.
As well as reducing the risk of animosity from those around you, positive relationships can limit the chance of delays from disputed plans. The issue can be particularly pertinent in projects affecting shared boundary walls.
Known as ‘party walls’, these shared structures are subject to specific legal requirements under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. If you don’t adhere to the Act’s guidelines, you may find yourself in the middle of a dispute with your neighbours…
The good news is, we’re here to provide you with all the information you need to avoid and handle any potential party wall disputes. With support from a Robert Turner Associates party wall surveyor in London, you can feel confident knowing your project is compliant and that your neighbours are happy as their interests are safeguarded.
Why are party wall disputes common in London?
Party wall disputes can happen anywhere. However, party walls are especially common in London, increasing the chance of disputes. Cities like London are very built up and densely populated, with plenty of apartment blocks, terraced houses, and closely built structures.
This means that many properties share walls, floors, and other boundary structures — all considered party walls.
How might the Party Wall Act affect your project?
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is a piece of legislation that requires anybody planning work affecting a shared wall to inform co-owners of that shared wall of their plans.
This involves:
- Getting a party wall survey to identify any shared walls that your project may affect.
- Serving written notice that informs your neighbour of your planned work.
- Drawing up a party wall agreement with the help of a RICS party wall surveyor. This will show that all parties have come to an agreement over the proposed plan and are happy for the work to go ahead.
Common causes of party wall disputes in London
Once you have served a party wall notice, your neighbour will have the chance to accept the plans or dissent.
In our time handling party wall matters in London, we’ve found that the most common disputes arise through:
- Failure to serve notice: Property owners may be unhappy if their neighbour starts work on a party wall without letting them know first.
- Damage to neighbouring properties: Party walls (especially those in built-up areas like London) can become damaged during the project. They may also cause collateral damage to other parts of a neighbouring property.
- Disagreements over access or timing: If contractors will need to gain access to the party wall through a neighbour’s garden or at inconvenient times, it can create tension.
Learn more about common party wall disputes in London and across the UK.
How can a party wall surveyor help you avoid party wall disputes?
Queries and concerns over the project details are natural and don’t need to become serious disputes. By appointing a party wall surveyor to help you serve notice and draw up a impartial party wall agreement, you can make sure everyone is happy that their interest are safeguarded before any work starts.
A qualified party wall surveyor is a fundamental addition to your team from the very start of your project.
1) Firstly, they can ensure that all party walls and structures (which may include floors) are identified. This will mean you can cover all your legal bases and serve notice to any relevant parties.
2) Party wall surveyors can help with serving notice, too! They will guide you on what your notice needs to contain and how you must present it to neighbouring property owners.
3) A party wall specialist can assist you in the next steps if your neighbour counters your plans. They can help you determine what it is your neighbour is unhappy with and work with you to come to an agreement.
This may involve changing your plans or altering certain elements (such as contractor access times) so everyone is comfortable their interests are safeguarded.
Qualified Party wall surveyors are experts in administering the Act to safeguard the interests of all parties ensuring rights and responsibilities are clearly brought to their attention.
Party wall surveyors will draw up the legal document, called a Party Wall Award which sets out.the rights and duties of the parties.
What can you do to reduce the chances of party wall disputes?
Appointing the best party wall surveyor in London is an excellent way to reduce and handle party wall disputes. Robert Turner Associates are widely regarded as such, offering expert guidance and a professional approach. However, there are some other actions you can take to keep the process as friendly and harmonious as possible.
1) Ensure effective communication at all times
Communication is key! We recommend ensuring open discussions at all times, including before notice is served. Neighbours will generally appreciate the heads-up on the fact that a party wall notice may be coming their way.
Keeping communication transparent can also reduce the chance of misunderstandings.
2) Plan ahead
Unexpected delays can, of course, happen. But the more you can plan ahead, and the more notice you can give your neighbours of any plans or changes, the more you can support your open communication.
3) Document everything
Document as much as you can, including any conversations you have. It’s also a wise idea to take photos before any work starts and throughout the construction phase so it’s clear if and when any damage occurs. Any written or photographic documents can be helpful evidence if a party wall dispute arises.
4) Factor party wall budgets into your budget
Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or developer, we suggest ensuring party wall matters are factored into your budget from the very beginning.
This will ensure you can appoint a trusted party wall specialist to carry out surveys and handle all negotiations and agreements with care. Ultimately, their professional input can reduce the chance of disputes and disagreements.
Keep disputes at bay with support from a party wall surveyor in London
If you’re looking for a party wall surveyor in London, the team at Robert Turner Associates is here to help. We have plenty of experience in handling and resolving party wall disputes in London, and will always strive for the fairest outcome for all parties involved.
To discuss your project, respond to a party wall notice and learn more about our services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
