If you are planning building works that affect a shared wall, boundary, or neighbouring property, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply. Understanding your obligations under the Act — and appointing the right party wall surveyors — is critical to protecting your project, your property, and your legal position.
Graham Kinnear Property Consultants provide specialist party wall surveyors services to building owners and adjoining owners across England and Wales. We deliver clear, compliant and practical advice at every stage of the party wall process.
Contact Graham Kinnear Property Consultants today for expert party wall advice.
What Is a Party Wall?
A party wall is a wall that stands on the land of two owners and forms part of a building, or a wall that separates buildings belonging to different owners. Party walls are most commonly found in:
- Terraced houses
- Semi-detached houses
- Converted flats
- Commercial buildings with shared structures
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 provides a statutory framework to regulate works affecting these shared structures.
Unsure whether your wall is a party wall? Speak to a qualified party wall surveyor today.
What Is the Party Wall etc. Act 1996?
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is legislation designed to prevent and resolve disputes between neighbours where certain types of building work are proposed.
The Act applies to:
- Works directly to a party wall or party structure
- Construction of walls on or near the boundary line
- Excavations close to neighbouring buildings
Failure to comply can result in injunctions, delays, legal costs, and claims for damage.
Graham Kinnear Property Consultants ensure full compliance with the Party Wall Act from the outset.
Do I Need Party Wall Surveyors?
You will usually need party wall surveyors if your proposed works include:
Works to a Party Wall
- Cutting into a party wall for steel beams
- Removing chimney breasts
- Raising, lowering or underpinning a party wall
Boundary Works
- Building a new wall on or astride the boundary
- Altering or rebuilding a boundary wall
Excavations
- Excavating within 3 metres (or 6 metres) of a neighbouring structure
- Excavations deeper than adjacent foundations
If your neighbour does not provide written consent, a dispute is deemed to have arisen and surveyors must be appointed.
Contact Graham Kinnear Property Consultants to confirm whether the Act applies to your project.
What Do Party Wall Surveyors Do?
Party wall surveyors are appointed to act impartially under the Act and to protect the interests of all parties involved.
Typical duties include:
- Reviewing proposed construction works
- Serving compliant Party Wall Notices
- Preparing Schedules of Condition
- Drafting and serving Party Wall Awards
- Resolving disputes fairly and efficiently
- Managing access and damage provisions
At Graham Kinnear Property Consultants, we combine technical building expertise with a detailed understanding of party wall legislation.
Party Wall Surveyor Services
For Building Owners
We manage the entire party wall process, including:
- Advice on whether the Act applies
- Preparation and service of notices
- Acting as Agreed Surveyor where appropriate
- Drafting Party Wall Awards
- Minimising risk, delays and neighbour disputes
For Adjoining Owners
We protect your property by:
- Reviewing proposed works in detail
- Ensuring adequate safeguards are included
- Recording the condition of your property
- Monitoring higher-risk construction works
Independent, compliant and professional representation
What Is a Party Wall Award?
A Party Wall Award is a legally binding document that sets out:
- The scope of the permitted works
- How and when works are carried out
- Access arrangements
- Protective measures
- Responsibility for damage and repairs
Once served, the Award allows works to proceed lawfully and provides protection to both owners.
Our party wall surveyors prepare clear, robust and enforceable Awards.
What Happens If I Ignore the Party Wall Act?
Ignoring the Party Wall Act can lead to:
- Injunctions stopping works
- Costly legal disputes
- Project delays
- Claims for damage
- Loss of neighbour cooperation
Appointing a party wall surveyor early is almost always cheaper and faster than dealing with disputes later.
Avoid unnecessary risk — speak to Graham Kinnear Property Consultants before starting work.
Why Choose Graham Kinnear Property Consultants?
- ✔ Specialist party wall surveyors
- ✔ Clear, professional communication
- ✔ Strong technical and legal expertise
- ✔ Experience across residential and commercial projects
- ✔ Efficient dispute resolution
- ✔ Trusted, independent advice
- ✔ Full England & Wales coverage
- ✔ Multi Award winning service
We focus on practical solutions, not unnecessary conflict.
Contact Graham Kinnear Property Consultants today for trusted party wall advice.
Party Wall Surveyors – Frequently Asked Questions
How much do party wall surveyors cost?
Costs depend on the complexity of the works and whether one or two surveyors are appointed. We provide transparent advice from the outset. Obtain a free, no obligation quote here. If it is your neighbour who is undertaking the work then your Surveyor will likely be paid for by your neighbour and as such the whole process will be at nil cost to you.
Can one party wall surveyor act for both owners?
Yes. An Agreed Surveyor can be appointed where both parties consent.
How long does the party wall process take?
Straightforward matters can be resolved quickly, but timelines depend on neighbour responses and the scope of works.
Can my neighbour stop my building works?
They cannot prevent lawful works under the Act, but failure to follow the procedure can result in delays or injunctions.
Speak to a Party Wall Surveyor Today
If you are planning building works and believe the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply, early professional advice is essential.
Contact Graham Kinnear Property Consultants today
- Confirm whether the Party Wall Act applies
- Receive clear, professional guidance
- Appoint an experienced party wall surveyor
Get in touch now to protect your project and proceed with confidence.